Kano State Approves ₦3 Billion to Pay 2025 Exam Fees for Over 141,000 Public School Students
The Kano State Government has approved ₦3 billion to fully pay the 2025 examination fees for 141,745 students from public schools. These students will be writing the NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS, and SSCE exams.
This decision is part of the government’s mission to help poor families, improve equal access to education, and support students who are ready to take national exams.
The news was shared by Kano State Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda, during a press briefing on Saturday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Who Will Benefit from This Free Exam Payment?
The free exam payment is meant for indigent (financially poor) students from public schools in Kano. To qualify, students must:
Be under any of the following bodies:
Kano Educational Resource Department (KERD)
Science and Technical Schools Board (STSB)
Agency for Integrated Education Development (AIED)
Have scored at least five credits in the 2024 Senior Secondary Qualifying Examination
These students will have 100% of their exam registration fees paid for by the government.
Exams Covered by the ₦3 Billion Budget
The approved fund covers registration fees for the following exams:
NECO – National Examinations Council
NABTEB – National Business and Technical Examinations Board
NBAIS – National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies
SSCE – Senior Secondary Certificate Examination
How This Year’s Support Compares to Last Year
According to the commissioner, the number of beneficiaries in 2025—141,745 students—is a big increase from last year, when the government paid exam fees for 125,000 students. This shows the state’s growing commitment to helping more students complete their education.
The Goal: Making Education Free and Fair for All
Makoda explained that this move is part of a bigger plan to:
Support academic excellence
Remove financial barriers to learning
Create a fairer education system where all students get a chance to succeed
He also asked school principals to make sure that all eligible students benefit from the program. All steps must be transparent and fair, with education agencies monitoring the process.
More Than Just Exam Fees: A Bigger Education Reform
This ₦3 billion payment is just one part of the state’s wider education plan. The Kano State Government is also:
Building new school infrastructure
Training more teachers
Providing essential learning materials
All of these efforts are focused on improving education quality and giving students the tools they need to do well in school and in life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible for the free exam fee support?
Public school students in Kano who passed with at least five credits in their 2024 exams and belong to KERD, STSB, or AIED.
2. What exams are covered under the free payment?
NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS, and SSCE for the 2025 academic year.
3. How much did the Kano government approve for this program?
A total of ₦3 billion.
4. How many students will benefit?
141,745 students in public schools across the state.
5. Is this part of a bigger education reform?
Yes, it supports larger goals like building schools, training teachers, and giving out learning materials.
Conclusion
The Kano State Government’s approval of ₦3 billion to pay exam fees for over 141,000 students in 2025 is a major step toward making education free and fair. It shows strong support for young learners from poor homes and helps remove financial stress for families. This effort, along with other educational reforms, reflects Kano’s ongoing dedication to quality and inclusive education for all.
