The Kogi State government has disbursed N497 million to cover the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examination fees for 15,033 students who are currently enrolled in the state’s public schools.
Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello‘s media aide, Mr. Onogwu Mohammed, stated on Saturday that this financial allocation aligns with the administration’s commitment to providing free education and implementing a “Zero Out-of-School Policy” to enable the state’s youth to pursue their educational aspirations.
Additionally, he said that it underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing the educational system within the state.
“This is part of my administration’s commitment to free education and `Zero Out-of-School Policy’ for our young citizens to fulfil their God-given destinies.
“It is also part of efforts at further improving the state’s educational system,’’ the governor’s media aide, Mr Onogwu Mohammed, quoted the governor as saying in a statement issued in Lokoja on Saturday.
The governor said also that the disbursement of the money was also in realisation of his administration’s recent pledge to provide free education from primary to secondary school level within the state’s public schools.
“This resolute step reflects my administration’s dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of his or her socioeconomic status.
“The gesture is aimed to empower students to undertake crucial examinations without imposing any financial burden on their parents or guardians.
“Furthermore, my administration won’t hesitate to penalise parents who fail to enrol their children in school.
“This comprehensive approach to education underscores the state’s commitment to not only increase access to education, but also ensure active participation,’’ Gov. Bello added in the statement.
Furthermore, Governor Bello stressed the government’s intention to penalize parents who neglect to enroll their children in school, emphasizing the state’s commitment to increasing educational access and fostering active participation.
Among the 15,033 beneficiaries, three local government areas in Kogi led the way. Dekina Local Government Area had the highest number of beneficiaries at 1,867, followed by Lokoja Local Government Area with 1,569 beneficiaries, and Okene Local Government Area with 1,345 beneficiaries.
