28/07/2025
Borno Government Clears Exam Fees for Over 26,000 Students, Spending ₦1.1 Billion
In a bold step to boost education and ease financial burdens on families, the Borno State Government has disbursed over ₦1.1 billion to cover the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) fees for students in public secondary schools.
The announcement was made during a symbolic cheque presentation held at the Quality Assurance Unit in Maiduguri, led by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe.
This major intervention, spearheaded by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, reflects his administration’s continued commitment to improving access to education and supporting students at crucial stages of their academic journey.
A total of 26,158 students registered for the SSCE under NECO and 355 candidates for NABTEB will benefit from this gesture. The breakdown of the payment includes:
₦639,713,936.25 for NECO
₦5,390,700.00 for NABTEB
Speaking at the event, Hon. Wakilbe described the initiative as more than financial assistance.
“This is a strategic investment in the future of our state. By removing economic barriers, we’re empowering our youth and ensuring no child is left behind,” he said.
Since 2019, the Zulum administration has spent over ₦4.79 billion on external exam fees, directly benefitting more than 165,797 public school students across all 27 local government areas.
In a show of appreciation, Mr. Dauda T. Yahaya, the State Coordinator representing the NECO Registrar, praised the government’s consistent support for education, noting that:
“Borno State stands out nationwide for its unwavering backing of students. We are truly grateful for this leadership.”
Similarly, Habiba Isa Dibal, representing the NABTEB State Coordinator, described the support as “a lifeline” for students pursuing technical and vocational education.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of ANCOPSS, Abba Ali Ladan, highlighted the real-life impact of the intervention:
“Many students wouldn’t have had the means to register without this support. This government has proven that its words are backed by action.”
The ceremony concluded with Commissioner Wakilbe formally presenting the cheques to representatives of NECO and NABTEB, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive and quality education:
“On behalf of His Excellency, Governor Zulum, I proudly present these cheques. This is a promise fulfilled and a clear step toward building a better-educated Borno State.”
~ Borno APC New Media.