In Nasarawa State, the Chairman of the Keffi Local Government Area, Abdulrahman Maigoro, paid fees for 500 students from secondary schools or both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
During the independence anniversary and inter-primary schools march past and quiz competition, organized by the council in Keffi, the state capital, on Tuesday, Mr Maigoro announced this.
He said the gesture was intended to reduce the burden of college costs on the affected students ‘ parents and improve the educational standard in the area and the country at large.
The chairman said he decided to organize the celebration of the independence anniversary, taking into account the significance of the day in the country’s history.
“The political independence by our country on October 1, 1960 was a result of many years of struggle by the people of Nigeria against the colonial rule.
“Those heroes who made sacrifices and got imprisoned in order that this country might be independent should not be forgotten,” he said.
Mr Maigoro also disclosed that he had enrolled 8,000 pupils into various primary schools towards achieving basic education and for the overall development of the council area.
“We also purchased and distributed school uniforms and other materials to pupils to reduce the sufferings of parents, most of whom are less-privileged.
“It may also interest you to know that considering the cries of most of our students and parents, my administration also registered and paid WAEC/NECO, NABTEB and JAMB fees for over 500 students.
“I, therefore, want to appeal to the beneficiaries and other students to take their studies seriously in order for them to excel in their academic pursuit,” he said.
Parents and guardians were instructed by the chairman to see education as the only investment they should offer to their children.
Earlier, the council’s Education Secretary, Emmanuel Barau, praised the chairman for his attempts to improve the area’s educational standard.
He called on the political class and other stakeholders to join hands with the chairman to provide an enabling learning and teaching atmosphere.