The Akwa Ibom State Government has approved the sum of ₦1.968 billion for the payment of examination fees and related educational expenses for students in public schools across the state, in a move aimed at strengthening access to education and easing the financial burden on families.
The approval, announced by Governor Umo Eno, forms part of the administration’s broader commitment to sustaining free and compulsory education and ensuring that every child in the state has access to quality learning opportunities regardless of economic circumstances.
A breakdown of the approved funds shows that ₦1.368 billion has been earmarked for the payment of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and other related expenses for eligible students across the state.
The government also approved ₦50 million for the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting technical and vocational education as a pathway to skills development and employment generation.
In addition, ₦550 million was approved to cover the costs of Common Entrance Examinations, Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE), promotion examinations and entrance examinations into specialised secondary schools across the state.
Governor Eno stated that the intervention is designed to ensure that students are not denied educational opportunities because of financial challenges and that parents are relieved of the burden associated with examination registration and related costs.
According to him, education remains one of the critical pillars of his administration’s development agenda, noting that sustained investment in human capital development is essential for building a prosperous and competitive society.
The governor further disclosed that the latest approval comes in addition to the ₦1.3 billion already committed to the state’s 2025/2026 bursary scheme, bringing the total recent investment in educational support programmes to more than ₦3.2 billion.
He described the expenditure as a strategic investment in the future of Akwa Ibom children and a reflection of the government’s determination to expand educational access at all levels.
Governor Eno emphasized that the state’s free and compulsory education policy remains a priority and reiterated his administration’s resolve to eliminate barriers that prevent children from attending school or completing their education.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a significant intervention that will ease the financial pressure on thousands of families while improving students’ chances of participating fully in academic and professional examinations.
Observers note that the initiative is expected to boost school enrolment, improve retention rates and enhance educational outcomes across the state, particularly among students from low-income households.
The latest approval further underscores the Akwa Ibom State Government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through sustained investments in student welfare, examination support, scholarships and human capital development.
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