2023 Children’s Day Celebration: We paid N4.2bn WAEC fees in four years – Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday said his administration did not default for once in four years in the payment of the fees for the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for students of Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3) of the state’s public schools.

Sanwo-Olu made the statement at the 2023 Children’s Day celebration with the theme: “More Money for Primary Education.”

He said his administration spent over N4.2billion in the space of four years for the payment in line with the free education policy of the government.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat said his administration prioritise education having recognise that students are future of the state.

“I want to tell you the truth that is shared by all of us here that without you, the children, we would have little joy and we would have no love at all. That is why it our believe that you are the most precious creation in the world. We are bound to protect, guide and love all our children with our might because you are our greatest treasure.

“We did not defect in the payment of WAEC fees in all our public school SS3 students in the last four years. Over N4.2bn was spent in the last four years to keep our promise of free payment of the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination fees to allow our students move up the ladder and to ensure no student is left behind in secondary school education,” he added.

According to him, the investment in the education sector has given testament to the success rate of public school student’s performance in WASSCE which he said has recorded an improvement from 38.79 percent in five credits performance, including Mathematics and English in 2020 to 80 and 78 percent in 2022 and 2023.

He said the same has also reflected in the scores of students of public schools in the Joint Matriculation Admission Board (JAMB) Examination.

“For the first time in recent years, we’ve never reported a good number of public secondary school students scored over 350 points.

“Our administration would therefore continue to empower our children and youth with relevant skills for a self reliant future and providing a suitable path for them based on skills and competences,” he promised.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji, said the 2023 Children’s Day Celebration was important forming part of the inauguration activities lined-up to herald the second term in office of Mr Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Hamzat.

According to him, the theme forms a significant discourse in the development of education, speaking to the relevance that more attention is needed “for our children to be properly taken care of in their formative years.”

He appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy for what he described as “their genuine interest in the total welfare, education and development of children in the state.”