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Borno State Government Pays N494 Million for 2024 SSCE Fees for Public School Students

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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

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One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident

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One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident

By: Zagazola Makama

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits have killed one person and injured three others in an attack on Shonong community in Bachi District, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in a sustained reprisal attack linked to an earlier livestock-related incident.

Security sources said the attack occurred at about 8:40 p.m. on April 19 when the armed men invaded the community and opened fire on residents.

The sources said the assault was believed to be in retaliation over the killing of nine livestock in the area, an incident that had heightened tensions between farming and herding communities in the locality.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) deployed in the area reportedly came under fire while responding to the attack and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, forcing them to withdraw after a heavy exchange of fire.

Reinforcement teams were later deployed and moved into the community to stabilise the situation and restore order.

According to the sources, the attackers killed a woman identified as Mrs Fibi Solomon, while three others — Mr Solomon, Master Jacob Solomon and Miss Jacobeth Solomon — sustained gunshot wounds.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Riyom for treatment, alongside the remains of the deceased.

Troops also rescued 12 civilians comprising three men, six women and three children, who were relocated to nearby Fang village for safety.

Security sources added that troops had intensified pursuit operations to track down the fleeing attackers, while the general area remained calm but tense.

One killed, three injured as gunmen attack Plateau community in reprisal over livestock incident

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Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha

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Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha

By: Yahqya Wakili

The immediate past secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Malam Wali mni, today paid a condolence visit to Senator Musa Mustapha, senator representing Yobe East in the National Assembly, following the death of his mother-in-law, the late Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by his press secretary, Alhaji Shuaibu Abdullahi, made available to newsmen in Damaturu, the state capital.

During the visit, the former secretary to the state government, Baba Malam Wali mni, offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

He urged the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude, noting that death is inevitable and a path that every mortal must take.

Hajiya Fatima Mustapha Jibrin passed away yesterday, Thursday, 16th April 2026, in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital. She was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic injunction.

Baba Malam Wali further prayed to Almighty Allah SWT to forgive the shortcomings of the late Hajiya Fatima, have mercy on her, and grant her Al-Jannatul Fiddausi as her final abode.

Yobe: Baba Malam Wali paid condolences to Senator Mustapha

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Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala

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Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3 Area of Responsibility have foiled an attempted attack by suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 1329hrs on April 19, when the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the base through Charlie/Delta Company axis.

The attackers, operating with two gun trucks, were sighted advancing toward the entrance gate of Mairari town along the Gajiram axis.

Troops immediately engaged the advancing terrorists, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat.

Following the encounter, troops dominated the general area with patrols, while air support was also deployed and hovered over the vicinity. However, no further terrorist presence was observed after the exchange.

Security sources said exploitation and clearance operations are ongoing to prevent regrouping and to secure surrounding communities.

Troops Foil ISWAP Attack Attempt in Guzamala

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