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
News
Two soldiers under probe for alleged collaboration with ISWAP terrorists, leaking troops movement in Yobe
Two soldiers under probe for alleged collaboration with ISWAP terrorists, leaking troops movement in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Two soldiers of the 135 Special Forces Battalion are currently under investigation for alleged collaboration with ISWAP terrorists, Zagazola Makama has learnt.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the soldiers’ telephone communications were tracked by Security Intelligence, linking them to the recent kidnapping of commuters along the Gashua–Azare highway in Yobe State.
The intercepted calls reportedly indicated that the suspects likely leaked the movement of a patrol team along the Buratai–Kamuya–Azare–Gashua route to the insurgents, enabling the ambush.
It was gathered that the suspected leak contributed to the terrorists’ operation, which was later foiled by troops of the 135 SF Battalion during a swift rescue mission on May 9
Two soldiers under probe for alleged collaboration with ISWAP terrorists, leaking troops movement in Yobe
Troops rescue four kidnapped commuters in Yobe, foil ISWAP terrorist ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 135 Special Forces Battalion under Operation Desert Sanity IV have rescued four kidnapped civilians from ISWAP terrorists following a swift counter-offensive along the Gashua–Azare highway in Yobe State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama on Saturday that the operation was carried out at about 6:10 p.m. on Friday, May 9, after intelligence reports indicated that insurgents had abducted travelers while riding on 15 motorcycles.
Quick Response Forces (QRF) from the battalion, swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of gunfire.
“The troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to retreat in disarray and abandon one motorcycle,” the source said.
The soldiers pursued the insurgents up to 6 kilometers from the ambush point, leading to the successful rescue of four abducted civilians. Items recovered from the scene included a pumping machine, a motorcycle tube, a plier, and three spanners.
Troops rescue four kidnapped commuters in Yobe, foil ISWAP terrorist ambush
Zulum orders immediate ban on the sale of fuel in Bama LGA
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered an immediate ban on the sale of fuel (petrol) in filling stations across Bama Local Government Area, including Bama town and Banki.
The ban was issued after due consultations with security agencies in the state and is aimed at addressing the prevailing security challenges in the state.
In a statement on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, the measure is part of the state government’s strategic response to counter insurgency operations.
“I have directed the immediate ban on the sale of petrol in Bama town, Banki, and other parts of Bama Local Government Area with immediate effect,” Governor Zulum stated.
He warned that anyone found violating the directive would face the full weight of the law.
“Let me make it clear—there will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of this ban. Security agencies have been given strict orders to clamp down on any filling station or individual contravening this directive. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly,” he warned.
Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state and called for the support and cooperation of citizens in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
Zulum orders immediate ban on the sale of fuel in Bama LGA
Two soldiers under probe for alleged collaboration with ISWAP terrorists, leaking troops movement in Yobe
Troops rescue four kidnapped commuters in Yobe, foil ISWAP terrorist ambush
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