The Sokoto State Government has disclosed that it spent a total of N4.7 billion over the last two years to register students for major external examinations, including those conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmed Ala, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, noting that the initiative was aimed at ensuring that all eligible students could sit for the exams regardless of their parents’ or guardians’ economic status.
In addition to the exam fee subsidy, the state government allocates about N66 million monthly as imprest to secondary school principals for immediate school needs such as minor maintenance and administrative expenses. Under this arrangement, each principal receives N200,000 monthly. Prof. Ala explained that the measure is part of a broader strategy to strengthen school administration and improve learning conditions.
The commissioner also highlighted significant improvements in teachers’ welfare, noting that salary payments, which used to be delayed until the end of the following month, are now made by the 19th or 20th of every month, except in cases of bank-related delays. He further revealed that teachers’ salaries have been raised from as low as N20,000 to at least N70,000 in line with the national minimum wage, in a bid to motivate and retain qualified educators.
According to Prof. Ala, the government’s commitment to boosting enrolment and retention in basic education goes beyond financial incentives. The ministry is actively sensitising parents and guardians on the importance of not only enrolling their children in school but ensuring they complete their studies. He stressed that access to free exam registration and improved learning facilities were key steps toward reducing dropout rates and enhancing educational outcomes across the state.
He reaffirmed that the administration remains committed to prioritising education as a driver of socio-economic development, ensuring that both students and teachers have the resources and support needed to excel.
