Sokoto State Spends N4.7 Billion on Student Exam Fees

The Sokoto State Government has revealed that it has spent a total of N4.7 billion to cover examination fees for students across the state.

The funds were used to register candidates for major national examinations, including the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the National Examination Council (NECO) exams, and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

According to the government, the expenditure reflects its commitment to improving access to quality education and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students from sitting for essential qualifying exams. Officials noted that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to boost literacy levels, support academic excellence, and improve Sokoto’s overall performance in national assessments.

While specific figures on the number of beneficiaries were not disclosed at the time of this report, the state reiterated that the intervention has significantly reduced the dropout rate among secondary school students, especially those from less privileged backgrounds.

Education stakeholders have commended the move, describing it as a major investment in the future of Sokoto’s youth. However, some have called for greater accountability and monitoring to ensure that the funds directly benefit the intended students without leakages or mismanagement.

The initiative aligns with broader calls for state governments across Nigeria to increase budgetary allocations to education, as the country continues to grapple with high out-of-school rates and underfunded public schools.