In a bold stride toward making education more inclusive, the Borno State Government has disbursed over ₦1.1 billion to cover examination fees for 26,513 public school students sitting for the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) assessments.
The payment was presented by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, during a symbolic cheque presentation to representatives of NECO and NABTEB in Maiduguri.
“On behalf of His Excellency, I formally present these cheques to NECO and NABTEB. This is not only a promise kept; it is a step towards a stronger, better-educated Borno,” he said
Wakilbe said the intervention is part of the state government’s efforts to reduce financial barriers to education and promote inclusive learning, especially at crucial academic stages.
He stated that the gesture would benefit 26,158 students taking the SSCE, conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO), and 355 candidates registered for NABTEB.
According to him, the breakdown of the disbursement includes ₦639.72 million for NECO and ₦5.39 million for NABTEB.
“This is more than just financial support; it is a deliberate investment in the future of Borno State. By reducing the burden on families, we are widening access to education and giving thousands of young people the opportunity to succeed,” Wakilbe said.
He said that the Gov. Babagana Zulum-led administration had spent over ₦4.79 billion on external examination fees on more than 165,797 students across the 27 local government areas since 2019.
Speaking on behalf of the NECO Registrar, the State Coordinator, Mr Dauda Yahaya, commended the state government for its consistency and unwavering support to education.
“Borno State has been outstanding in its support for education. We sincerely appreciate Governor Zulum’s leadership and vision,” Yahaya said.
Additionally, Mrs Habiba Dibal, the State Coordinator of NABTEB, described the intervention as a “lifeline” for students pursuing technical and vocational education.
The Chairman of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr Abba Ladan, lauded the initiative, saying many students would not have been able to register without the state government’s support.
“This government doesn’t just talk; it delivers,” Ladan said.
