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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 recover anti-aircraft gun, ammunition after encounter with terrorists in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have recovered a heavy weapon and ammunition following a clearance operation and engagement with terrorists in Borno State.
Security sources said the development occurred on April 21, 2026, during follow-up exploitation operations at Nanewa village, where troops had earlier engaged and neutralised several terrorists in a firefight.
According to the sources, troops conducting a mop-up operation along the withdrawal route of the fleeing insurgents discovered an anti-aircraft machine gun, alongside several rounds of 7.62×54mm ammunition believed to have been abandoned during the encounter.
The sources added that traces of blood were also observed along the escape route, indicating that the terrorists may have sustained injuries during the earlier engagement.
Military authorities confirmed that weapons and recovered items have been secured for further analysis and documentation.
Troops recover anti-aircraft gun, ammunition after encounter with terrorists in Borno
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 233 Battalion, operating in the Babbangida general area of Yobe state, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have neutralised three terrorists during a fighting patrol operation in Nanewa village.
Military sources said the operation was conducted at about 5:30 p.m. on April 19 when troops on patrol in the area made contact with an ambush laid by suspected terrorists lying in wait along the route.
The patrol team, however, successfully fought through the ambush and engaged the assailants in a gun duel, resulting in the neutralisation of three terrorists.
Following the encounter, troops recovered three AK-47 rifles and five motorcycles abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
The operation was completed without casualties to friendly forces, while the patrol team later returned safely to base at about 7:15 p.m.
Security sources described the general situation in the area as calm but unpredictable, noting that troops’ morale and operational efficiency remain high.
They added that sustained patrols and clearance operations were ongoing to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement within the theatre.
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect, identified as Chari Kura from Gajiram in Nganzai LGA, was apprehended at about 6:20 p.m. on April 20 at Charlie 19 location in Monguno town.
The arrest followed credible intelligence indicating that the suspect was en route to deliver logistics supplies to terrorists at Bindur village in Kukawa Local Government Area.
According to the sources, items recovered from the suspect include 180 mosquito coils, 12 packs of Jolly Jus, one Itel mobile phone and the sum of N500.
The suspect is currently in the custody of Sector 3 for further interrogation and necessary action.
Military authorities said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist supply chains and deny insurgents access to logistics support within the theatre of operations.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP logistics courier in Monguno
Troops recover anti-aircraft gun, ammunition after encounter with terrorists in Borno
Troops neutralise 3 terrorists, recover rifles and motorcycles in Babbangida fighting patrol
Troops arrest suspected intruder at Army school in Plateau
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