Jubilation as Nigerian Governor Approves N542m for UTME, Internal Exams

• Governor Usman Ododo has brought smiles to the faces of parents and students in public schools in Kogi state
• Ododo has paid N542 million for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other internal examination fees
• The Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, broke the good news and the reason for the intervention

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering basic and tertiary education in Nigeria and worldwide

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

The Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, said the payment is for students in public schools across the 21 local government areas of the state.

As reported by The Punch, Jones made this known during a press conference on Tuesday, February 4 in Lokoja, the state capital.

Read also

After flood ‘worse than Boko Haram’, Tinubu approves N80b for reconstruction of Alau dam

According to Jones, the funds are for the registration fees of 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,”

The Commissioner explained that the payment is in line with the Free Examination Fee for Pupils in Public Schools Law.

Former governor, Yahaya Bello, signed the law mandating free examination registration fees for students in public primary and secondary schools.

He disclosed that Governor Ododo 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.

He further stated that Ododo has committed over N1.2 billion for external and internal examinations for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Read also

Ebonyi workers who died in 2009 still receiving salaries, ALGON chairman cries out

According to Jones, the payment of examination fees in 2024 led to an 18 per cent increase in student enrolment and reduced the number of out-of-school children.

Legit.ng also reported that the Kogi state government mandated parents’ tax clearance certificates for tertiary admissions to boost state revenue.

The policy has drawn criticism from civil society groups, with some threatening to challenge it in court over its impact on low-income families.

Government officials defend the initiative, citing constitutional backing and the financial burden of funding multiple state-owned institutions.

JAMB gives cost implications for 2025 UTME registration

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released fresh information about 2025 UTME/DE registration.

JAMB released the breakdown of cost implications for students preparing to register for the 2025 UTME/DE.

Nigerians took to social media to react to the breakdown of cost implications for the 2025 UTME/DE registration.

Source: Legit.ng