Kano Government Pledges N3bn to Sponsor 75% of Students in 2024 Senior Secondary Examinations

The Kano State Government has released the 2024 Senior Secondary Qualifying Examination results, underscoring its dedication to expanding access to quality education and reducing financial pressure on households.

This was made known by the State Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Ali Makoda, during a press briefing in Kano.

He stated that the announcement aligns with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s education reform agenda, which has already led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the sector and the allocation of 31.5% of the 2024 state budget to education.

Makoda revealed that 141,715 candidates from public schools under the Kano Educational Resource Department (KERD), the Science and Technical Schools Board (STSB), and the Agency for Integrated Education Development (AIED) sat for the 2024 examination, with over 75% qualifying for state sponsorship.

“In 2023, a total of 125,000 candidates were sponsored by the state government. This year, His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has graciously approved the sponsorship of all indigent state candidates who scored a minimum of five credits in the 2024 Senior Secondary Qualifying Examination,” Makoda said.

The beneficiaries will have their registration fees fully covered for the 2025 NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS, and SSCE national examinations. According to the Commissioner, the initiative is expected to cost the state government over N3 billion.

“This is a timely and bold initiative by the Kano State Government to promote academic excellence, increase access to education, and ease the financial burden on vulnerable families,” he added.

Makoda also issued a directive to school principals to ensure that all eligible candidates benefit from the scheme without bias or obstruction. “They must access their rights unconditionally and with full transparency,” he stressed.

He further noted that more details on the registration process will be communicated to schools and the public through the relevant education agencies, such as KERD, STSB, and AIED.

With this development, Kano joins several Nigerian states, demonstrating a strong financial and policy commitment to supporting youth education.

The Commissioner said the move was about releasing examination results and shaping Kano’s future through an educated and empowered generation.