Ododo approves N542m for UTME, internal exams

Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, has approved over N542 million for the payment of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other internal examination fees for students in public schools across the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, disclosed this during a press conference on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Jones said the funds would cover registration fees for the 2025 Basic Six and Common Entrance Examination, Basic Education Certificate Examination, and UTME.

“A total of N145,476,984 has been allocated for 25,100 pupils for Basic Six and CCE; N215,220,000 for 30,500 students under BECE; and N181,719,800 for 18,734 students’ UTME/JAMB fees, amounting to N542,416,784,” Jones stated.

He noted that the initiative aligns with the law mandating free examination registration fees for students in public primary and secondary schools, signed by former Governor Yahaya Bello.

“Governor Ododo, building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, remains committed to consolidating achievements in the education sector,” he added.

Jones revealed that the state government had also released over N661.3 million for the payment of 2024/2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for SS3 students in public schools.

According to him, the state has committed over N1.2 billion to cover both external and internal examinations for the 2024/2025 academic session.

“This intervention has significantly boosted school enrolment rates. The payment of examination fees in 2024 led to an 18 per cent increase in student enrolment,” he said.

Jones explained that the gesture had also reduced the number of out-of-school children, which has been a major challenge in the education sector while enhancing students’ performance in national examinations.

The commissioner commended Ododo for prioritising quality education to reduce poverty and illiteracy levels in the state.

He urged principals and school heads to cooperate with the ministry to ensure a smooth registration process, warning that the government would take strict action against any principal found sabotaging the initiative or attempting to exploit students.