Kano spends N3 billion to empower 141,745 indigent students with free national exam sponsorship

DDM News

The Kano State Government has approved N3 billion to pay examination fees for indigent students across the state.

This announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda, during a press briefing on Saturday.

He said the initiative supports Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Education Reform Agenda, focused on improving quality education in Kano State.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the plan targets reducing financial pressure on poor families and promoting academic opportunities.

According to Makoda, 141,745 students have been confirmed eligible for this state-funded sponsorship in the current academic year.

He disclosed that the 2024 Senior Secondary Qualifying Examination results have been officially released by the state government.

The results served as the primary requirement for selecting qualified candidates for the government-sponsored examination program.

Governor Yusuf had earlier declared a state of emergency in the education sector to address systemic challenges.

He also allocated 31.5% of Kano’s 2025 state budget to education, the highest in recent history.

Makoda said the approved beneficiaries include students from KERD, STSB, and AIED under various public school programs.

Over 75% of the selected candidates met the requirement through the 2024 qualifying examination process.

He emphasized that in 2023, the state funded the exam fees of 125,000 students from similar backgrounds.

This year, the government will cover the registration fees for all students who scored five credits and above.

The sponsorship includes national examinations such as NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS, and SSCE for the 2025 session.

Makoda described the move as bold and strategic, reflecting a strong commitment to educational development and social justice.

He stated that the program aims to eliminate dropout rates caused by economic hardship and poor access to opportunities.

The commissioner instructed all school principals to ensure fair implementation of the initiative without any form of bias.

He warned that no qualified student should be denied access to this vital government support for any reason.

Makoda demanded complete transparency in the selection and registration processes from all educational agencies involved.

Details regarding registration will be communicated through KERD, STSB, and AIED to schools and the general public.

He said this marks a significant turning point in Kano’s investment in its future through youth empowerment.

The commissioner explained that investing in education builds stronger communities and sustainable economic growth across the state.

According to him, Kano is now among a select few states making bold investments in education reform.

Makoda urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the government and uphold the principles of transparency and inclusion.

He emphasized that the program is not just about paying exam fees, but transforming the future of the state.

The initiative is expected to improve exam success rates and encourage academic ambition among vulnerable students.

He concluded that only an educated population can build the foundation for Kano’s long-term peace and development.

Makoda said Governor Yusuf’s reforms are charting a new course for inclusive, accessible, and quality education in Nigeria.

He called on other states to emulate Kano’s example in making education a top governance priority.

This initiative signals hope, empowerment, and progress for the next generation of Kano’s leaders and professionals.

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