BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, JULY 28, 2025 | 09:14 PM
The Borno State Government has disbursed over N1.1 billion to cover the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) fees for 26,513 students in public secondary schools across the state.
The symbolic cheque presentation ceremony took place at the Quality Assurance Unit in Maiduguri, led by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe on Monday.
The breakdown of the intervention shows N639.7 million allocated for NECO fees for 26,158 students and N5.39 million for NABTEB fees for 355 students.
Hon. Wakilbe described the gesture as a “strategic investment in the future of Borno State,” emphasizing the government’s resolve to eliminate financial barriers to education.
'This is more than just financial support; it’s a demonstration of Governor Zulum’s commitment to empowering our youth and ensuring no child is left behind,' he said.
The commissioner noted that since 2019, the administration has spent over N4.79 billion on external examination fees, benefiting more than 165,000 students across all 27 local government areas.
Representatives from NECO and NABTEB, Mr. Dauda T. Yahaya and Habiba Isa Dibal respectively, commended the government’s consistent educational support.
Yahaya lauded Borno’s leadership, calling it “a model of educational commitment,” while Dibal described the intervention as “a lifeline for technical and vocational students.”
Abba Ali Ladan, Chairman of ANCOPSS, also praised the initiative, stating that many students would have missed registration without the government’s intervention.
The event concluded with the formal presentation of cheques to NECO and NABTEB officials, with Wakilbe reaffirming the government’s dedication to inclusive and quality education in the state.