Niger pays N300m WAEC fees for state candidates, declares free education
By Our reporter
Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has announced that the state government would pay the 2008 WAEC and NECO fees for candidates from the state.
Governor Aliyu made the declaration last week, while unveiling an annual poverty alleviation programme and a foundation to cater for the needs of indigent people sponsored by Senator Nuhu Aliyu (PDP, Niger North).
The twin programmes were unveiled in New Bussa, Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
The governor said: "When I took over, NECO refused to release the results for Niger State because about one-third of the pupils did not pay and I discovered that it was so because they could not pay! So, I paid for the one-third and they released the results. The total that I am paying for WAEC and NECO this year (2008) is N300 million".
The governor said, henceforth, the government would provide free education up to secondary school level and also give free uniforms and text books to students.
No fewer than 400 motorcycles and 400 sewing machines were presented to indigent people of the senatorial district by Governor Aliyu on behalf of the Senator.
Monday, March 31, 2008