The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of examination fees for students at the basic and secondary education levels amounting to ₦1.968 billion, as part of his administration’s sustained commitment to expanding access to quality education and reducing the financial burden on parents and guardians across the state.

The information was contained in a statement signed by the state commissioner for information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, made available to the Guardian.

The approval, according to the release, reflects the Governor’s resolve under the ARISE Agenda to sustain free and compulsory education and ensure that every Akwa Ibom child has access to quality learning opportunities and the necessary support to complete basic and secondary education. Governor Eno has also directed the Ministry of Education and relevant departments and agencies to ensure urgent compliance and immediate implementation of the approval, with a mandate to facilitate the timely payment of all examination-related fees and prevent any student from being disadvantaged due to financial constraints.

 The approved funds will cover critical examination requirements for students of Akwa Ibom State origin, including external examinations, registration processes, and other administrative obligations. A total sum of ₦1.368 billion has been allocated for the payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees and related expenses, including National Identification Number (NIN) registration, online and offline biometric registration, science practical examinations, Continuous Assessment (CASS), monitoring, and examination administration.

 The government has also approved ₦50 million for the payment of National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examination fees. In addition, ₦550 million has been earmarked for the conduct of key state examinations, including the Common Entrance and Placement Examination, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), Senior Secondary II Promotion Examination, Entrance Examination into Senior Science Colleges, and Entrance Examination into Government Model Girls’ Secondary School, Akwa Ibom State.

The intervention is expected to benefit thousands of students across the state while further strengthening the administration’s efforts to remove barriers to education, improve learning outcomes, and promote equal opportunities for children irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.

The Governor’s latest approval, in addition to the ₦1.3 billion committed for the 2025/2026 academic session students’ bursary scheme, underscores the administration’s continued investment in human capital development and its determination to build an education system that empowers Akwa Ibom children with the knowledge and skills required for future success.

 The governor  says he remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that place education at the centre of sustainable development and social transformation, while ensuring that no child is denied educational opportunities because of financial limitations.