Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has approved over N542 million for the payment of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other internal examination fees for students in public schools.
This initiative is expected to ease the financial burden on parents while encouraging students to pursue their education without fear of financial constraints. 
The Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, disclosed this during a press conference in Lokoja, emphasizing the government’s commitment to quality education.
According to Jones, the allocated funds will cover registration fees for the Basic Six and Common Entrance Examination, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and UTME.
He stated, “A total of N145,476,984 has been allocated for 25,100 pupils for Basic Six and CCE; N215,220,000 for 30,500 students under BECE; and N181,719,800 for 18,734 students’ UTME/JAMB fees, amounting to N542,416,784.”
Furthermore, Jones highlighted that this initiative aligns with the law mandating free examination registration fees for students in public primary and secondary schools, signed by former Governor Yahaya Bello.
“Governor Ododo, building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, remains committed to consolidating achievements in the education sector,” he added.
In addition to the N542 million for UTME and internal exams, the state government has also approved over N661.3 million for the 2024/2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for Senior Secondary School (SS3) students in public schools.
This brings the total government intervention in examination fees to over N1.2 billion for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Jones explained that this intervention has positively impacted school enrollment, leading to an 18% increase in student enrollment in 2024.
Moreover, it has helped reduce the number of out-of-school children while improving students’ performance in national examinations.
Jones commended Governor Ododo for prioritizing education, stating that the initiative would reduce poverty and illiteracy levels in the state.
He urged principals and school heads to ensure a smooth registration process, warning that the government would take strict action against any attempt to sabotage the initiative or exploit students.
This financial commitment by the Kogi State Government is seen as a significant step towards supporting education, especially at a time when many families struggle with the rising cost of living.
