The Taraba State Government has fully paid over N4 billion to cover the 2025 examination fees for public school students sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO), West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).
The announcement was made by Commissioner for Education, Augustina Yahaya Godwin, during a press briefing in Jalingo on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
The initiative, approved by Governor Agbu Kefas, aims to alleviate financial burdens on families and ensure access to critical examinations for students across the state.
“This payment covers all eligible public school students, reinforcing His Excellency’s commitment to free and quality education,” Yahaya stated.
The funds, disbursed to the respective examination bodies, include registration costs for 48,752 students, with NECO and WAEC accounting for the bulk of the expenses.
The policy builds on Taraba’s free education program, which has increased school enrollment by 15% since 2023, according to state records.
Yahaya noted that the government’s investment addresses the rising cost of examinations, ensuring no student is excluded due to financial constraints.
“This is a game-changer for our students and a boost for education in Taraba,” she added.
The Taraba State Government has also directed school principals to compile accurate student data to facilitate smooth examination processes, with a deadline for submissions set for August 10, 2025.
