The Kaduna State Government has approved the sponsorship of 5,000 students for the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), encompassing both NECO and WAEC, in a move aimed at alleviating the financial burden on parents and enhancing access to education.
The announcement was made on May 28, 2025, by the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA).
Governor Uba Sani, who has remained committed to education reform, is supporting the initiative as part of his administration’s broader efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of education across the state.
According to the government, the aim of the sponsorship is not merely to cover examination fees but also to offer hope to families facing increasing education costs.
Beneficiaries will be selected based on merit, with priority given to students who performed well in the 2024 SSII Mock Examinations conducted by the KSSQAA. Additional criteria will be applied to ensure that the most deserving candidates are chosen.
Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, Director-General of KSSQAA, praised the governor’s decision, describing it as both timely and strategic. He said the initiative was not only about paying examination fees but also about restoring hope, reducing dropout rates, curbing social vices, and improving academic performance.
He noted that it reflected the governor’s determination to democratise access to education and promote human capital development across Kaduna State.
The sponsorship covers candidates preparing for high-stakes examinations, including students from low-income families and orphans. It also includes Hybrid CBT candidates, who are part of the state’s expanding digital learning initiative.
In 2024, the state sponsored 136,742 students for various examinations, including the Junior School Certificate Examination (JSCE) and internal mock assessments. That number has increased to 175,752 students benefiting from examination-related support in 2025.
This initiative is part of Kaduna State’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public education and alleviate the financial burden on families associated with WAEC and NECO fees. Under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, the state’s education sector continues to witness growth and innovation.

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