27/06/2025
Borno State Gov't Pays ₦529.7 Million WASSCE Fees for 26,158 Public School Students
..Over ₦4 Billion Spent Since 2019..Records Success in Decreasing Out-of-School Children
The Borno State Government has once again reaffirmed its commitment to accessible education by paying the sum of ₦529,699,500 for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees of 26,158 final-year students in public secondary schools across the state.
The announcement was made during an official cheque presentation ceremony held in Maiduguri, where the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, presented the symbolic payment on behalf of the state government.
In his remarks, Wakilbe described the initiative as a demonstration of the administration’s continued investment in the education sector, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“This milestone reflects the deep commitment of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, to building an inclusive and equitable educational system where no child is left behind,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, the government subsidizes 75% of WASSCE registration fees for students in public schools annually, and this year’s payment covers candidates from all 27 local government areas of the state.
..Over ₦4 Billion Spent Since 2019
With this latest intervention, Borno State’s total expenditure on external examination fees from 2019 to date has risen to ₦4,146,800,615.50, benefitting 165,442 students within the period.
Wakilbe acknowledged the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for its partnership and support, particularly for expanding examination centres to hard-to-reach and previously underserved areas, including Askira Uba and Ngala LGAs.
“This has eliminated the need for students to relocate to Maiduguri for exams, easing pressure on our boarding facilities and enhancing student safety and logistics,” he added.
Engr. Wakilbe also extended appreciation to the Special Adviser on Education, Hon. Abubakar Tijjani, the Director of the Education Resource Center, Abba Sheriff, local government education secretaries, and chairmen of LGAs including Gubio, Kaga, Bama, Damboa, Mafa, Dikwa, Monguno, Gwoza, Mobbar, Magumeri, and Chibok, among others, for their vital roles in facilitating the 2025 WASSCE process.
In his remarks, Mr Leonard Mado Odoh, Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator for WASSCE Zone in Maiduguri, has commended the government for paying the 2025 examination fees. He expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor and Honourable Commissioner for their role in ensuring a smooth examination process.
Odoh assured that the council would work towards a successful completion of the examination, appreciating the government's efforts in supporting education in the state.
...Records Success in Decreasing Out-of-School Children
Despite facing security challenges, the Borno State Government has made significant progress in reducing the number of out-of-school children from 1.8 million to 800,000.
Commissioner of Education revealed plans to establish 47 new schools before the next session, aiming to reduce the number of out-of-school children by 50%. The government remains committed to rebuilding and restoring schools in areas affected by insurgency.
The goal is to minimize the number of out-of-school children and promote education stability in the state.
~ Borno APC New Media
