Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has approved N542.4 million for the payment of 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other internal examination fees for students in public schools across the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, announced this during a press briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting students’ education.
According to Jones, the funds will cover:
N145.4 million for 25,100 pupils in the Basic Six and Common Entrance Examination.
N215.2 million for 30,500 students sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
N181.7 million for 18,734 students registered for UTME/JAMB.
This initiative aligns with the free examination registration law enacted by former Governor Yahaya Bello, ensuring public school students receive full government support.
N1.2 Billion Allocated for 2024/2025 Exams
Jones further revealed that the state government has also released N661.3 million to cover the 2024/2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for SS3 students. In total, Kogi has committed over N1.2 billion to fund both internal and external examinations for the 2024/2025 academic session.
“This intervention has significantly boosted school enrolment rates, with an 18% increase recorded in 2024,” Jones stated.
The commissioner highlighted the initiative’s role in reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving students’ performance in national examinations. He also warned school principals against any form of exploitation, stressing that the government would take strict action against those sabotaging the program.
Jones commended Governor Ododo for prioritizing education, reinforcing efforts to combat poverty and illiteracy in Kogi State.