K-SAFE Hails Gov Yusuf Over ₦4.45bn Approval for Students’ Examination Fees

The Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE) has commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving the sum of ₦4.45 billion for the payment of examination fees for no fewer than 150,000 students across the state.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Co-Chair of the forum, Auwalu Halilu, who described the intervention as timely and impactful, particularly in the face of prevailing economic challenges affecting many households.

According to the forum, the approval covers candidates sitting for examinations conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), thereby reflecting an inclusive approach that accommodates students in conventional, technical, and Islamic education systems.

K-SAFE noted that the decision demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving access to education, promoting equity, and supporting the academic aspirations of young people in Kano State. It added that by lifting the financial burden of examination fees from thousands of families, the government has not only secured the educational future of the beneficiaries but also reinforced public confidence in its education policies.

The forum further observed that the intervention comes at a critical time when many families are grappling with economic hardship, which often leads to school dropouts or delays in students’ academic progression due to inability to pay examination fees. It stressed that the initiative would enhance student retention, improve transition rates, and boost learning outcomes across secondary and technical schools in the state.

Describing the move as a strategic investment in human capital development, K-SAFE said it aligns with broader national and global education goals aimed at ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

While applauding the governor’s leadership, the forum urged the state government to sustain such policies and expand investment in key areas of the education sector, including provision of teaching and learning materials, improvement of school infrastructure, teacher capacity development, and inclusive education programmes.

K-SAFE reaffirmed its support for policies that advance educational development and empower young people, noting that the intervention stands as a testament to the administration’s commitment to building a brighter future for the children and youth of Kano State.