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Borno State Government Pays N494 Million for 2024 SSCE Fees for Public School Students
Borno State Government Pays N494 Million for 2024 SSCE Fees for Public School Students
…Zulum orders completion of permanent NECO office.
By: Our Reporter
In a significant stride towards educational equity, the Borno State Government has announced the payment of N493.9 million to cover the 2024 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) fees for 25,075 students in public schools.
The Honourable Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, made the announcement on Friday during a disbursement ceremony. He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to making education accessible to all, underscoring that the initiative subsidizes the exam fees by 75%, thus alleviating the financial burden on students and their families.
For the 2024 academic year, the state government will contribute N326.7 million, while the 27 Local Government Areas will provide a combined total of N167.2 million, paid directly to the National Examinations Council (NECO). This payment is part of a larger effort by the Borno State Government, which has invested over N1 billion this year alone to cover the costs of both the May/June and June/July WASSCE and SSCE exams.
Since the beginning of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration in 2019, the state has spent a total of N4.1 billion on examination fees for 138,438 students in public schools. This substantial financial commitment highlights the government’s dedication to ensuring fairness and providing equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Hon. Engr. Wakilbe also extended his gratitude to NECO for its robust support, acknowledging the council’s efforts to make SSCE examinations accessible across nearly all parts of the state. This expansion has significantly reduced logistical challenges, such as the need for students to travel to Maiduguri, thus alleviating issues of overcrowding in boarding schools and ensuring a smoother examination process for students.
Wakilbe noted that illegal practice leads to difficulties in student verification, encourages indiscipline, and results in corruption and malpractice within public schools. It also places a heavy financial burden on the government and depletes the state’s limited resources. Any principal whose school’s examination centre is derecognized due to malpractice will be immediately removed from their position.
“In recognition of NECO’s efforts, His Excellency has directed the Ministry to submit plans for the completion of the permanent NECO office at the Mustapha Umar Elkanemi College. Following this briefing, we will visit the site, where NECO will formally hand it over to the engineers, allowing for the necessary work to be completed.” Wakilbe Said
The Coordinator NECO Borno State, Mr. Dauda Thomas Yahaya, has expressed gratitude to the Borno State government for its financial support, which will significantly alleviate the financial burden on the families.
On behalf of the Registrar and CEO NECO, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, Yahaya acknowledged the payment and commended Governor Banagana Umara Zulum and Commissioner Engr Wakilbe for covering the SSCE fees of public school children, demonstrating their commitment to advancing education in the state.
Borno State Government Pays N494 Million for 2024 SSCE Fees for Public School Students
Troops rescue three abducted victims, recover ammunition in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued three abducted civilians and recovered ammunition during an operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 10:00 a.m. on March 30 by troops of 202 Battalion in collaboration with volunteer forces at BOCOBS.
According to the sources, the troops responded to credible intelligence indicating that suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram had abducted three locals in the area.
The sources said the troops made contact with the insurgents and successfully rescued all three victims during the operation.
Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The sources added that the rescued victims are safe, while troops have continued to dominate the general area to prevent further incidents.
They said the operation is part of sustained efforts to protect civilians and dismantle terrorist activities across the North-East theatre.
Troops rescue three abducted victims, recover ammunition in Borno
Troops repel terrorist attack in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attack by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram on a Forward Operating Base in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 10:05 p.m. on March 30 at Forward Operating Base Bukarti.
According to the sources, the terrorists launched an attack on the troops’ position, prompting a fierce engagement during which the troops successfully repelled the assailants.
During the encounter, one soldier sustained injuries and has since been stabilised and is responding to treatment.
The sources added that the attackers carted away a gun truck mounted with a QJC gun, a Civilian Joint Task Force vehicle, two motorcycles, a PKT machine gun and a Baofeng radio.
They said troops have continued to maintain operational presence in the area, while efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen equipment and further degrade the capabilities of the insurgents.
Troops repel terrorist attack in Yobe
CJTF member accidentally shot by colleague in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has been injured in an accidental shooting incident in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:50 a.m. on March 31 at the location of 162 Amphibious Battalion in Mandara-Girau.
According to the sources, the CJTF member was on duty when he was mistakenly shot in the left leg by a colleague.
The victim was immediately evacuated to the battalion’s medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Sources said the injured personnel are responding to treatment, while further details surrounding the incident are being awaited.
CJTF member accidentally shot by colleague in Borno
Troops arrest two suspected terrorist collaborators in Pulka
Troops rescue three abducted victims, recover ammunition in Borno
Troops repel terrorist attack in Yobe
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