Kogi Assembly Issues Ultimatum: Education Ministry Must Release N497.3 Million WAEC Exam Fees By December 30

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Expressing apprehension, the legislative body raised concerns about the prolonged delay in transferring the funds, already disbursed by Governor Yahaya Bello, to the accounts of the examination body…CONTINUE READING

During the Thursday plenary session, Speaker Umar Yusuf issued an ultimatum to the state Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Wemi Jones, after the commissioner addressed issues regarding the examination fees.

Jones clarified that a state of confusion had arisen due to certain school principals collecting WAEC fees and additional levies, despite the state government having released the funds.

In November, Governor Bello earmarked the sum of N497.3 million for the payment of fees for 15,033 students across the 21 local government areas of the state. However, as of now, the payment has not been executed.

While appearing before the house, Commissioner Wemi Jones acknowledged the release of the funds but stressed that the payment process was currently in progress.

“I wish to inform this honorable house that the fund released by our caring governor is not missing but intact in the coffers of the ministry’s account.

I assure you that very soon, it will reach WAEC before the closing date of Jan. 28, 2024, and not to any principal or school,” he explained.

The commissioner sternly warned school principals and examination officers, cautioning them against engaging in criminal activities such as collecting student payments for WAEC, PTA, or any other levies. He underscored that education is free in the eyes of Governor Bello and the state of Kogi.

Commissioner Wemi Jones asserted that principals, school heads, and examination officers have neither reason nor permission to collect any amount from students as WAEC or PTA levy in Kogi.

However, he clarified that private schools are excluded from this government initiative, and those involved in private schools will undergo a verification exercise to determine the accurate number of students.

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