By Onilede Titi Faith
The Sokoto State Government says it has spent ₦4.7 billion over the past two years to pay registration fees for students sitting major external examinations.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmed Ala, said the funding covered examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
Speaking in Abuja, Prof. Ala said the initiative ensures all eligible students can take these exams regardless of financial constraints.
He added that the state also provides each secondary school principal with a ₦200,000 monthly imprest; about ₦66 million annually to address urgent operational needs, such as minor repairs and maintenance.
He noted that teacher salaries, previously plagued by delays, are now typically paid by the 19th or 20th of each month, except in cases of banking issues.
The commissioner stressed that the state is intensifying efforts to increase both enrolment and retention in basic education, including sensitising parents on the need for children to complete their schooling.
