The Taraba State Government said it has paid the examination fees for students in public secondary schools across the state, covering the cost of WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB examinations.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, disclosed this on Wednesday in Jalingo, stating that the total expenditure exceeded N3 billion, underscoring Governor Agbu Kefas’ commitment to education reform and his administration’s free and compulsory education policy.

“The governor has paid 100 percent of the examination fees for all eligible students in Taraba. This initiative cuts across all communities in the state and reflects our commitment to leaving no child behind,” she said.

Godwin also revealed that the government has approved substantial funding for the production and distribution of desks and chairs to improve learning environments in public schools. So far, over 6,000 desks have been distributed to schools in Jalingo, with plans to extend the distribution to other local government areas in the coming weeks.

Responding to media reports questioning the state of public schools in Taraba, the commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revamping infrastructure and restoring public confidence in the education system.

She called on parents and guardians, regardless of political affiliation, to support the administration’s education drive, noting that the future of Taraba’s children depends on collective responsibility.

Meanwhile, Dr. Godwin expressed concern over reports that some private schools in the state are still conducting the now-defunct First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) examination.

She emphasised that the practice is illegal, as the state has officially phased out the FSLC in favor of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which is now the recognized minimum standard for academic progression and employment eligibility in both the public and private sectors.

“The Council has approved the phasing out of the FSLC. BECE is now the minimum qualification recognized for entry into institutions and for job applications. We will enforce this policy strictly,” she warned.

The commissioner urged school proprietors and education stakeholders to align with the government’s policies and support the ongoing efforts to reposition Taraba’s education sector for sustainable growth.