Kefas Approves N1.3bn for WAEC Fees, Funds School Feeding, Exchange Programme

Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved the release of over N1.3 billion for the payment of 2026 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for students across the state, in a move aimed at strengthening access to free and quality education.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, disclosed this during the symbolic presentation of cheques to officials of WAEC at the council’s office in Jalingo.

She stated that the sum of N1,390,209,350.00 was released to cover WAEC registration for 39,536 candidates across the state. The amount, she explained, caters for all components of the examination process, including registration PINs, Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS), administrative charges, practicals, monitoring, sensitisation, remuneration of officials, school albums, and accreditation requirements.

Godwin described the intervention as part of the deliberate policy direction of the Kefas administration to eliminate financial barriers to education and ensure inclusivity.

“This is the third consecutive year that the Taraba State Government is paying WAEC fees for our students. It is in line with the governor’s declaration of free education and his resolve to ensure that no child is left behind,” she said.

She further revealed that in addition to WAEC, the state government is also funding other internal and external examinations such as NECO, NABTEB, BECE, and mock examinations, thereby providing a comprehensive support system for students at different levels.

The commissioner noted that the students have already been registered, ensuring a seamless process ahead of the examinations, while reiterating the ministry’s commitment to proper coordination and monitoring.

Beyond examination fees, Godwin disclosed that the government also approved N243,832,615.00 for school feeding and transportation under the Students Exchange Programme, a key initiative designed to promote unity and cultural integration among students across Nigeria.

A breakdown of the figure shows that N148,565,040.00 has been earmarked for the feeding of students at Government Comprehensive Secondary School (GCSS), Jalingo, and MGDSS Wukari, with payments structured on a termly basis.

She added that N52,750,490.00 and N42,517,085.00 have been allocated for the transportation of indigenous and non-indigenous students respectively, participating in the exchange programme across the 19 northern states.

According to her, the combined interventions underscore the administration’s holistic approach to education—covering access, welfare, and exposure—while positioning students to compete favourably at both national and global levels.

Godwin commended Governor Kefas for what she described as a bold and sustained investment in human capital development, assuring that the ministry would maintain transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of WAEC, the Taraba State Controller, Mr. Ogundele Agunbiade, lauded the governor’s unwavering commitment to education, noting that the consistent payment of examination fees has significantly improved student participation and reduced dropout rates.

He also appreciated the state government’s continued logistical support to the council, including the recent provision of utility vehicles, which he said has enhanced operational efficiency in the conduct of examinations.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry expressed gratitude to the governor for the timely release of funds, noting that such interventions have transformed the education trajectory of the state since the inception of the administration.

He urged students to justify the government’s investment by exhibiting discipline and excellence in their forthcoming examinations.

The event was attended by key stakeholders in the education sector, including the Secretary of the ministry, education secretaries of the Post Primary Schools Management Board, Mass Education Board, and Library Board, as well as directors from various departments and parastatals, alongside members of the media.