“Writing a New Future: Borno Government Clears WASSCE Fees for 26,000 Students in Unprecedented Move”

By RYNI Media | Omotayo Stephen . O

1 July 2025

MAIDUGURI — In a landmark move that has reignited hope across Borno State, the government has covered the 2025 WASSCE registration fees of 26,158 final-year public school students with a staggering ₦529.7 million payment — a strategic push toward inclusive education and youth empowerment.

Announced at a symbolic cheque presentation in Maiduguri, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, hailed the initiative as a cornerstone of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s education-first vision. According to Wakilbe, this gesture not only reflects fiscal commitment but also speaks volumes about the administration’s resolve to break the barriers hindering youth development in the region.

“This initiative underlines the governor’s unwavering dedication to rebuilding an inclusive educational landscape where no child is left behind,” Wakilbe said. “We’re not just paying for exams; we’re investing in futures.”

The state has consistently subsidised 75% of WASSCE registration costs for public school students — this year’s intervention extending to all 27 local government areas. With this latest allocation, Borno’s investment in external exams has soared to over ₦4.1 billion since 2019, empowering more than 165,000 students statewide.

Beyond the numbers lies a transformative impact. The move has eased financial burdens on families, many of whom are still recovering from the scars of insurgency. It has also driven a significant reduction in the number of out-of-school children — from a staggering 1.8 million to 800,000 — in just a few years.

Wakilbe also commended the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for expanding access to underserved regions such as Askira Uba and Ngala, eliminating logistical barriers and offering students in remote communities a fair shot at academic success.

In line with this forward-thinking approach, the state government is set to establish 47 new schools before the next academic year — a major stride toward slashing the number of out-of-school children by another 50%.

The event saw praise from Mr Leonard Odoh, Deputy Registrar and Zonal WAEC Coordinator, who described Borno as a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity. “The state’s commitment has not only enabled learning but inspired belief — even amid security challenges.”

This bold initiative has been hailed by the Resourceful Youth Network Initiative (RYNI), which encourages this gesture as a strategic leap in youth empowerment. “When governments invest in education, they invest in a peaceful and prosperous future. This is how you rebuild lives and nations,” the group stated.

In a region once synonymous with despair, education is becoming the new symbol of hope — and Borno is leading the charge.

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