Akwa Ibom Commits ₦1.968 Billion To Free Examination Programme
State Expands Investment in Free Education
AKWA Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved ₦1.968 billion for the payment of examination fees for students in public basic and secondary schools across the state, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to free and compulsory education.
The funding is aimed at ensuring that eligible students participate in key national and state examinations without financial constraints while reducing the burden of education costs on parents and guardians.
Governor Eno has directed the Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies to immediately commence implementation of the approval to guarantee the timely payment of all examination-related charges.
Funding Covers National and State Examinations
A breakdown of the approved funds shows that ₦1.368 billion has been earmarked for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and related requirements.
The allocation will finance WASSCE registration fees, National Identification Number (NIN) registration, online and offline biometric enrolment, science practical examinations, Continuous Assessment submissions, examination monitoring and other administrative expenses.
In addition, the state government approved ₦50 million for the payment of National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) fees.
Another ₦550 million has been allocated to support the conduct of major state examinations, including the Common Entrance and Placement Examination, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), the Senior Secondary II Promotion Examination, as well as entrance examinations into senior science colleges and the Government Model Girls’ Secondary School.
Thousands of Students Expected to Benefit
The intervention is expected to benefit thousands of students across Akwa Ibom State by eliminating financial barriers that often prevent candidates from sitting for public examinations.
The initiative also complements the recently approved ₦1.3 billion bursary programme for eligible students in the 2025/2026 academic session.
Combined, both interventions represent a fresh investment of more than ₦3.2 billion in the education sector.
Education Remains Key Development Priority
The state government said the approvals reflect Governor Eno’s commitment to human capital development under his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
According to the government, sustained investment in education remains critical to expanding opportunities for young people, promoting social mobility and preparing students for higher education, employment and future economic participation.
