Kano State Approves ₦3 Billion to Sponsor 141,715 Students for 2025 NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS Exams
— Initiative Aims to Boost Education Access, Alleviate Financial Burden on Families
The Kano State Government has approved over ₦3 billion to sponsor eligible students for the 2025 National Examinations Council (NECO), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) Senior School Certificate Examinations.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, announced this during a press briefing on Friday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and reducing financial barriers for families.
Dr. Makoda revealed that students who scored a minimum of five credits in the 2024 Secondary School Qualifying Examination (SSQE) qualify for the sponsorship. This year, 141,715 candidates from public schools under the Kano Educational Resource Department (KERD), Science and Technical Schools Board (STSB), and Arabic and Islamic Education Department (AIED) sat for the SSQE, with over 75% meeting the sponsorship criteria.
The initiative builds on last year’s success, where the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf sponsored 125,000 candidates for the same examinations.
“His Excellency’s declaration of a state of emergency in education, with 31.5% of the state budget allocated to the sector, underscores our resolve to empower the next generation through quality education,” said Dr. Makoda. “This sponsorship scheme reflects our dedication to youth development, academic excellence, and long-term economic growth.”
The Ministry of Education will release further registration guidelines through KERD, STSB, and AIED. Dr. Makoda urged school principals to ensure transparent access to results for all eligible candidates, reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy for malpractice.
The sponsorship program aligns with Kano State’s broader strategy to improve literacy, reduce out-of-school numbers, and foster a skilled workforce. By investing in education, the government aims to create a foundation for sustainable development and prosperity.
