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KOGI, Nigeria - Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has approved N542 million for the payment of 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UMTE) fees to 18,734 students in public schools across the state.
The funds will also be used to cover the fees for the Common Entrance Examination (CEE) for Basic six students and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for public school students.
The Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, made this announcement during a press conference in Lokoja on Tuesday.
Mr. Jones specified that N145.4 million will be allocated for CEE for 25,100 Basic six pupils, while N215.2 million will support 30,500 students qualifying for BECE.
Additionally, N181.7 million will be designated for UTME fees for 18,734 students, bringing the total to N542.4 million.
He noted that this initiative aligns with the state government’s legislation providing free examination registration fees for Kogi students in public primary and secondary institutions.
The commissioner indicated that the law was established by former Governor Yahaya Bello and emphasized the commitment of the Ododo administration to build upon the educational advancements made by the previous government.
In October 2024, the state government allocated over N661.3 million for the 2024/2025 West African Examination Council fees for students in public schools.
Mr. Jones mentioned that the state government has invested N1.2 billion towards covering public school students’ external and internal examination fees during the 2024/2025 academic session.
He remarked that this initiative has notably boosted school enrollment rates in the state, with the 2024 payments resulting in an 18 percent increase in enrollment.
“These efforts have significantly decreased the count of out-of-school children, a major issue in the education sector.
“It has also improved students’ performance in national examinations,” he stated.
The commissioner praised Mr. Ododo for prioritizing access to quality education as a means to combat poverty and reduce literacy rates.
He urged school principals and heads to work collaboratively with the ministry to ensure a smooth registration process for the students targeted.
However, Mr. Jones cautioned that the government would take strict action against any school principal who attempts to exploit students or undermine the registration process.
