Ondo approves N523.9 million as WAEC fees for 28,946 public school students

At Ondo State Government has approved N523.9 million to cover the cost of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) 2023 for students in public schools in the country.

The agreement followed a memo to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from the country’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, dated December 29, 2022, requesting payment.

In approving the request, Mr. Akeredolu ordered that the amount “be paid directly to WAEC for receipt.”

Beneficiaries of the agreement are 28,946 students in public secondary schools across the country who took the exam last year.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES in Akure, the governor’s spokesman, Richard Olatunde, said the agreement showed the determination of the Akeredolu-led administration to encourage education and reduce the financial burden on parents.

“The Akeredolu-led administration continues to prioritize functional education in the country,” he said.

“Apart from the reconstruction of public primary schools in the country, this administration has committed to pay the WASSCE fees.

“This stance will surely bring great relief to parents and guardians across the country. Governor Akeredolu has an unwavering belief that education is the key to a secure future.

“Again, this is a promise kept. It is in line with the Redemption Agenda of the Akeredolu led administration where we have Educational Progress and Human Development.

The government has released N515 million for WAEC fees last year and N360 million the previous year.

The payment of the fees was initiated by the administration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Mr. Akeredolu initially withdrew because of the recommendations of the summit organized in the education sector after the election.

But Mr. Akeredolu returned to practice in 2021.

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