Lagos paid N4.2 billion WAEC fees in four years: Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State government announced on Thursday that it has paid a total of N4.2 billion in West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) fees for students over the past four years. The governor, Mr. Sanwo-Olu, revealed this during the ministerial session of the 67th National Council on Education meeting. The payment of WAEC fees for public school students in SS3 has been a policy in place since 2000, initiated during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as the Lagos State Governor.

Represented by the Commissioner for Primary and Basic Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Mr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that no student is left behind in secondary education. He highlighted that the intervention, which began with N200 million in 2000, has evolved into an annual financial commitment of over N1 billion.

The governor underscored the government’s focus on easy access to education, irrespective of gender or capability. He noted the introduction of free education at the primary and secondary levels through the Lagos Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Law of 2005. This legislation mandates parents and guardians to ensure that children attend school, contributing to increased enrollment in primary and secondary schools.

Mr Sanwo-Olu highlighted additional efforts to expand educational opportunities, such as the establishment of six secondary schools, 21 new adult literacy centres, and two new universities—Lagos State University of Education and Lagos State University of Technology. These initiatives aim to accommodate the growing number of students and improve educational standards.

The governor also emphasized the government’s investment in digital devices, integrating technology and education to meet global standards. Over 1,449 projects, including construction, renovation, and the supply of furniture, have been inaugurated to enhance teaching and learning in primary and secondary schools across the state.

In conclusion, Mr. Sanwo-Olu called on the National Council on Education to formulate effective and efficient policies for implementation, recognizing the pivotal role of education in a nation’s socio-economic development.

Source: NAN