The Borno State Government has demonstrated its dedication to education by investing N507,654,000 in covering the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 25,075 final-year students in public schools across the state. This move aims to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students’ educational progress.
The disbursement ceremony took place on Wednesday at the multipurpose hall of the Quality Assurance Office of the Ministry of Education in Maiduguri.
According to Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, the payment was made to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints.
“Borno State Government has consistently subsidised these examination fees by 75%,” Commissioner Wakilbe said, “and this year’s disbursement is part of that commitment.”
The commissioner emphasised government’s dedication to a level playing field in the school system. “His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno State Governor, has fulfilled his promise,” he declared. “Students in both public and private schools can now access their results simultaneously.”
“Borno State Government expressed its sincere gratitude to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). “We are deeply grateful to WAEC for supporting the state’s resettlement efforts,” Wakilbe said.
“Extending WASSCE examinations to almost all parts of the state has significantly alleviated the challenges faced by our students.”
Meanwhile, the education commissioner commended school principals that adhered to examination ethics and quotas. However, he warned against any malpractice, stating “government will take punitive measures against any school principal that registers students without records or history in the school. While we support genuine ex-students with school records retaking examinations, we oppose the practice of registering external candidates without proper records.”
Wakilbe further elaborated on the negative consequences of this practice, explaining, “This illegal activity leads to issues with student record verification, indiscipline, corruption, and malpractice in public schools, placing a heavy financial burden on the government and straining scarce state resources.”
He went on to say “Furthermore, any principal of a public school whose examination centre is derecognized due to malpractice will be removed from their position.” The Ministry of Education will submit a list of accredited private schools for consideration in the 2025 WASSCE. Borno State Government, under the leadership of Governor Zulum, remains committed to supporting education and ensuring all students have a fair chance at success.
Responding to the commissioner, Mr. Zakari Ya’u Abdullahi, Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Borno State, confirmed the payment of the funds. “This presentation we are making today signifies that the funds have been paid and are already in the account of West African Examinations Council,” he said.
“By the special grace of God, whenever we finish marking and the results are released, you can be assured that the results for all candidates, both government-sponsored schools and private schools, will be released at the same time.” This aligns with Governor Zulum’s earlier promise of ensuring equal access to results for all students.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from representatives of the schools and students. Abba Ali Ladan, President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), spoke on behalf of the schools, while Ahmad Kyari Ahmad the president of National Union of Borno state Student union NUBOSS delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the students. They expressed their gratitude to Borno State Government for its continued support of education in the state.
