The Kano State Government has approved N3 billion to cover examination fees for 141,745 indigent students enrolled in public schools, in a major step to ease the financial burden on vulnerable families and improve access to quality education. The initiative will fund registration for the 2025 NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS, and SSCE national examinations.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Education during a press briefing in Kano, where he highlighted that the intervention targets students under the Kano Educational Resource Department, Science and Technical Schools Board, and the Agency for Integrated Education Development. To qualify, students must have earned at least five credits in the 2024 Senior Secondary Qualifying Examination.
This year’s allocation marks a significant increase in reach compared to 2024, when 125,000 candidates benefited. The commissioner said the move is part of a larger effort to make education more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial hardship.
He added that the government expects school principals and education agencies to carry out the process with transparency and accountability, so that all eligible students receive the support they need without bias.
Beyond exam sponsorship, the commissioner explained that the initiative is aligned with ongoing reforms aimed at improving education infrastructure, training teachers, and providing learning materials across the state. These efforts, he said, are part of a long-term strategy to promote academic excellence and equip young people in Kano with the skills and qualifications necessary for future success.
