The Borno State Government has paid ₦529.7 million to cover the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 26,158 final-year students in public secondary schools across the state.
The announcement was made on Friday during a symbolic cheque presentation ceremony in Maiduguri by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe.
Wakilbe described the initiative as a testament to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration’s ongoing investment in education and commitment to inclusivity. “This milestone reflects the deep commitment of His Excellency, Gov. Zulum, to building an inclusive and equitable educational system where no child is left behind,” he said.
He noted that the government subsidises 75 per cent of WASSCE registration fees for students annually. This year’s payment covers students from all 27 local government areas of the state.
“With the latest payment, the Borno Government has spent a total of ₦4,146,800,615.50 on external examination fees between 2019 and 2025, benefitting 165,442 students over the period,” Wakilbe said.
He commended the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for its cooperation, especially in expanding examination centres to underserved communities such as Askira Uba and Ngala. He said the move had reduced the need for students to travel long distances and eased pressure on boarding facilities.
Wakilbe also acknowledged the contributions of the Special Adviser on Education, Abubakar Tijjani; Director of Education Resource Center, Abba Sheriff; Education Secretaries; and Local Government Chairmen from areas including Gubio, Kaga, Bama, Damboa, Mafa, Dikwa, Monguno, Gwoza, Mobbar, Magumeri, and Chibok, among others.
The commissioner disclosed that the government plans to establish 47 new schools before the next academic session, aiming to reduce the number of out-of-school children by a further 50 per cent. He added that the initiative is part of broader efforts to rebuild and restore the education system, particularly in communities affected by insurgency.
In his remarks, Mr Leonard Odoh, Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator for WASSCE in Maiduguri, expressed gratitude to the state government for its commitment to funding the examination.
Odoh assured that WAEC would work to ensure a smooth and successful conduct of the examination and praised the administration’s dedication to education.
“Despite security challenges, Borno has recorded significant progress in reducing the number of out-of-school children from 1.8 million to 0.8 million,” he said.
