Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has approved the immediate disbursement of N497 million for the payment of the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for students enrolled in the state’s public schools.The state government in a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Muhammed Onogwu and made available to journalists on Saturday, said that the money was part of efforts aimed at improving the future of the state’s educational system.
The governor’s “gesture” is coming barely one week to the state governorship election, which has heightened tension in the state. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the Labour Party have all alleged victimisation and harassment by hoodlums reportedly working for the state government. Meanwhile, the police in Kogi State have said no fewer than 40,000 security operatives would be deployed to prevent crisis on the election day and thereafter. The statement by the state government on the payment of the WASSCE fees on Saturday said, “This resolute step reflects the administration’s dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status. It aims to empower students to undertake crucial examinations without imposing any financial burden on their parents or guardians.”
According to the statement, the disbursement is also in fulfillment of the administration’s recent pledge to provide free education from primary to secondary school levels within the state’s public schools, underscoring the government’s commitment to implementing the “Zero Out-of-School Policy” in the state.It added, “Furthermore, the Governor recently emphasised that his administration would penalise parents who fail to enroll their children in school under his leadership. This comprehensive approach to education underscores the state’s commitment to not only increasing access to education but also ensuring active participation.”The statement listed the local government areas that will benefit from the WASSCE fees initiative to include Dekina which has the highest number of students with 1,867 beneficiaries, Lokoja Local Government Area, which has 1,569 students and Okene which has 1,345 students.The initiative will therefore benefit a total of 15,033 students.
