Masari gives conditions for subsidising students’ exams

KATSINA State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has disclosed that from next year his administration would pay the examination fees of only students who pass the internal examination organised to determine their eligibility.

According to a press statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Abdu Labaran Malumfashi, the decision was informed by the persistent dismal performance of students in these examinations, which yearly cost the government over N3 billion. It said the examination hardly records 10 per cent of those who sat for it having five credits and above.

The release further revealed that, “Out of the over 46,000 students who sat for National Examinations Council (NECO) exams last year, only 4,600 passed with five credits plus.”

Malumfashi reiterated that, “Governor Masari has made it clear that government would not continue to waste scarce resources. It would instead use the money to provide needed infrastructure in the education sector.”

While paying a courtesy visit to the governor, academic and non-academic staff of tertiary institutions in Katsina supported the government’s decision to abolish payment of examination fees to students who fail to make the required grades in the reintroduced mock examination.

“At a meeting with Governor Masari, representatives of academic and non-academic staff unions, unanimously supported the discontinuation of the blanket payment of fees for secondary school students billed to sit for WAEC, NECO and JAMB examinations,” the release stated.

While reiterating his commitment towards educational development in the state, the governor emphasised the position of the government on the payment of examination fees, warning that from next year, only students who were able to make the grades in NECO with five credits and above would have the fees paid for them.

The release stated that, “This administration would do everything possible to restructure the education sector, particularly at the foundation level. But for that to happen, everybody must contribute, including leaders, teachers and students.”

Masari, in his response advocated for the revival of Parents Teachers Associations (PTAs) and school inspection, stressing that would help to reposition the standard of education in the state.