News
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 foil Berom Militia attack, recover locally fabricated gun in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4, Sub-Sector 41, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attack by Berom militia at Zakaret Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, when troops deployed at Ankwil 2 Guard Location responded to reports of gunshots at the residence of Mr Mubarak Shuaibu.
The troops’ prompt intervention forced the attackers to abandon their mission and flee the area.
During an exploitation of the scene, the troops found Shuaibu with a gunshot wound to his right leg.
The troops also recovered one locally fabricated gun allegedly abandoned by the fleeing attackers.
The injured victim was evacuated to a clinic in Kurra Falls for medical treatment.
The recovered weapon is currently in the custody of the troops for further action, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops foil Berom Militia attack, recover locally fabricated gun in Plateau
Armed militia attack leaves one injured, another dead in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
One person has been killed and another injured after suspected armed militias attacked two locals returning from mining activities between Gaude and Mangu Halle in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Makama reports that the incident occurred at about 8:10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Troops of Sector 8, Sub-Sector 81, deployed at Gyambwas, responded to a distress report on the attack and moved to the area.
On arrival, the troops found one of the victims, identified as Mr Lanyet Bala, with a gunshot wound to his leg, while the attackers had fled the scene.
The troops subsequently launched a search-and-rescue operation for the second victim, identified as Mr Kwonan.
During the operation, the troops discovered Kwonan’s remains within the general area.
The injured victim was evacuated to Allah Nakowa Hospital, Mangu, for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, troops are currently dominating the area and conducting offensive operations and a manhunt for the fleeing attackers.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Armed militia attack leaves one injured, another dead in Plateau
1 Division GOC organises musical therapy for wounded soldiers in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Sadique Muhammed Wase, has organised a musical entertainment programme for sick and wounded soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna (44 NARHK).
The event, held on Thursday, Sept. 3, was organised in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy and the Nigerian Army’s Soldier First Culture.
Zagazola Makama reports that the initiative was aimed at boosting the morale of recovering personnel and providing psychosocial support to soldiers undergoing treatment for injuries and other combat-related conditions.
The engagement was also designed to create a relaxed and positive environment to support the emotional and psychological recovery of personnel who had endured the rigours of frontline operations.
The recuperating soldiers turned out in large numbers to participate in the programme, which featured live musical performances by the 1 Division Band led by Lt.-Col. S.C. Enwemuche.
The performance created an atmosphere of relaxation, camaraderie and joy, providing the wounded personnel with a welcome break from their routine treatment and recovery.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the GOC for the gesture, describing it as an indication that the welfare and wellbeing of soldiers remained a priority under the leadership.
They also appealed for the programme to be sustained and organised regularly to help maintain the morale of personnel undergoing treatment.
The event ended with refreshments, live band performances and group photographs with the soldiers.
1 Division GOC organises musical therapy for wounded soldiers in Kaduna
Troops foil Berom Militia attack, recover locally fabricated gun in Plateau
Armed militia attack leaves one injured, another dead in Plateau
1 Division GOC organises musical therapy for wounded soldiers in Kaduna
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions5 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS3 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns3 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
