Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has approved over N542 million for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other internal exams for public school students.
The funds, disclosed by the Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, will cover the registration fees for the Basic Six and Common Entrance Examination (CCE), Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and UTME for students in public schools across the state.
A total of N145.4 million has been allocated for 25,100 pupils sitting for Basic Six and CCE, N215.2 million for 30,500 BECE students, and N181.7 million for 18,734 UTME candidates, amounting to N542.4 million in total.
This initiative builds on the law mandating free registration fees for public primary and secondary school students, signed by former Governor Yahaya Bello.
Jones highlighted that the state had also allocated over N661 million for the 2024/2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for SS3 students, bringing the total commitment for examination fees to over N1.2 billion for the 2024/2025 academic session.
The intervention has significantly boosted school enrolment rates, with an 18% increase in student enrolment following the 2024 examination fee payment.
It also addresses the issue of out-of-school children while improving student performance in national exams.
Jones commended Governor Ododo for prioritising education, urging school heads to ensure smooth registration processes and warning against any malpractices.
