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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
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
By Zagazola Makama
Fifty cows have been stolen by suspected cattle rustlers in Gbugbu, Lafiagi, Kogi State, the Police Command has reported.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on December 18 at about 1600 hours when two Fulani herders, Hassan and Husseini, both aged 25, were grazing their cattle on the outskirts of Gbugbu. Unknown gunmen attacked the herders and made away with 50 cows.
The report was filed by Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu, 50, and Malam Tijani Ahmed, 62, Secretary of Miyeti Allah, Lafiagi branch.
Following the report, a joint team comprising Army troops, police operatives, Village Guard Network (VGN) and local hunters were mobilized to the scene to comb the surrounding bush for possible recovery of the stolen livestock.
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
Bandit attack in Sobon Birni LGA leaves one dead in Sokoto
By Zagazola Makama
One person has been killed following an armed bandit attack on Garin Idi Village in Sobon Birni District, Sokoto State, the State Police Command has confirmed.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred on December 18 at about 2140 hours, when a large group of heavily armed bandits launched a sporadic shooting attack on the community.
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, promptly responded and engaged the bandits in a gun duel. The attackers were overpowered and fled into the surrounding forest.
During the attack, one Malam Saluhu, aged 60, was shot and killed.
Joint security teams have intensified efforts to track down the bandits, and troops have been alerted to remain vigilant for any movements by the fleeing criminals.
End
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
By Zagazola Makama
Over twenty vehicles have been destroyed following a fire outbreak at Malaysia Market, Zuba, near the main motor spare parts area.
Sources said that the incident occurred on December 17 at about 2300 hours. The market, known for scrap vehicles, was engulfed in flames before police patrol teams promptly mobilized to the scene.
Through the combined efforts of security forces and community members, the fire was successfully contained, preventing further escalation. No injuries or loss of life were reported.
The cause of the fire and the estimated value of the destroyed vehicles are yet to be determined as security sources said Investigations are ongoing.
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
Bandit attack in Sobon Birni LGA leaves one dead in Sokoto
Fire outbreak destroys over 20 vehicles at Malaysia Market, Zuba
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