In a major financial commitment to secondary education, the Lagos State Government has disbursed more than ₦1.5 billion to fund WAEC fees for over 58,000 public school students who took part in the 2024 WASSCE.
Announcing the development at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Alausa, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the move was part of the administration’s ongoing free education initiative.
The briefing marked the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s re-election.
To ensure proper monitoring, the commissioner revealed that biometric verification and photo registration were conducted, streamlining the process and confirming 56,134 eligible cancandidates..
READ ALSO: Lagos to commission 3 hospitals in 12 months, targets to mitigate brain drain
Despite this investment, only 45.7% of students met the benchmark of passing both English and Mathematics.
In response to the disappointing performance, Alli-Balogun announced the rollout of the ‘Eko Learners’ Support Programme’ in January 2025, targeting WASSCE and NECO students with additional academic support, structured tutoring, and motivational resources.
He said the government had met with school principals across all six education districts to design new academic policies.
Among them is the implementation of performance-based promotion, where only students with strong academic results will advance to terminal classes.
This, he noted, would put an end to automatic promotion and promote a culture of excellence.
“This policy shift is expected to enhance academic performance, inspire students to work harder, and ultimately raise the quality of education in the state,” he said.
Touching on inclusivity, Alli-Balogun disclosed that 30,000 out-of-school children had been identified, provided with educational materials, and re-enrolled in public schools under the government’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ development agenda, which prioritises education and technology.
READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu emphasises Lagos’ role in boosting bilateral trade with Belgium
He reiterated that the Sanwo-Olu administration considers education a cornerstone of sustainable development and remains committed to reducing dropout rates and related challenges.
On staff development, the commissioner revealed that 4,353 new teachers had been hired between 2023 and 2024 to strengthen the workforce in secondary schools and vocational institutions.
He added that Governor Sanwo-Olu had approved ₦102.5 million in housing loans for teachers, with ₦43.5 million allocated as car refurbishment support to 121 staff members.
Alli-Balogun also urged students to avoid destructive behaviours such as cultism, drug abuse, and exam malpractice.
He encouraged active participation in co-curricular programmes, including those backed by the ministry and partner NGOs.
To enhance students’ overall development, the government has revived physical education, school sports, and interactive learning methods aimed at promoting mental resilience, engagement, and well-rounded growth.
