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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
Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have killed the leader of hunters in Tine Nune community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, happened while the victim, identified as Hilenen Terzungwe, was on patrol with five others along Biriji village.
Terzungwe sustained severe machete cuts during the attack and was rushed to a medical facility in Tine Nune, where he later died while receiving treatment.
His remains have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam.
Security has been strengthened in the area to forestall further attacks, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
End
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have intensified patrols and peace-building efforts in Anyiatse village, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, following the killing of a Fulani herdsman by suspected youths of the community.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has heightened fears of a reprisal attack by Fulani groups in the area.
Sources said the herdsman was attacked and killed in the bush, sparking tension among residents and neighbouring communities.
In response, security personnel were deployed to the area to forestall further violence, while traditional rulers and stakeholders have been engaged in dialogue to restore calm.
The measures, according to local authorities, are aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order as investigations into the killing continue
End.
Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias have killed five persons and burnt 10 houses in Tim village, Chakfem District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack, which occurred on Tuesday at about 4 p.m., saw the assailants storm the community, shooting sporadically before setting thatched houses ablaze.
Local sources said the victims’ corpses had been evacuated for burial, while the injured were receiving treatment in nearby health facilities.
Community members disclosed that the assault might have been carried out in retaliation for cattle allegedly rustled in the area.
Troops of the Special Task Force (STF) were deployed to the scene and engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to flee, with some believed to have sustained bullet wounds.
Residents said calm had returned to the area on Wednesday, though the village remains tense as investigations continue and efforts are being made to apprehend those behind the attack.
End
Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau
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