By Gabriella Ogbu
The Bauchi State government has issued a stern warning, declaring its intention to cease funding external exam fees for Senior Secondary Three (SS3) students who exhibit poor attendance records. Commissioner of Education Jamila Dahiru delivered the ultimatum during her inspection visits to various schools in Bauchi on Wednesday.
Recalling Governor Bala Mohammed’s allocation of N396.9 million for the 2023–2024 external exams of 14,170 public school pupils, which covered assessments by bodies such as JAMB, NECO, WAEC, and NBAIS, Dahiru emphasized the necessity for students to prioritize their studies.
Expressing dismay over the low turnout of SS3 students during her school visits, the Commissioner stressed the importance of students returning to class and focusing on their education. She warned that scholarships would be revoked for students deemed “unserious” and urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s education.
Dahiru highlighted the government’s investment in education and called for a collaborative effort from parents and students to ensure academic success. She underscored the need for teachers to adhere to prescribed teaching schedules and emphasized punctuality in school operations, setting specific guidelines for teacher attendance.
