In a bold move aimed at expanding access to education, the Kaduna State Government has greenlit the sponsorship of 5,000 public school students sitting for the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), which include WAEC and NECO assessments
Announcing the development, Professor Usman Abubakar Zaria, Director-General of the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA), explained that this initiative is part of Governor Uba Sani’s larger vision to reform the educational landscape of the state.
“This support couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Professor Abubakar-Zaria.
“Beyond covering exam costs, it’s about giving students renewed hope, reducing the rate at which they drop out of school, discouraging involvement in negative behaviours, and driving academic excellence.
“It clearly shows the Governor’s dedication to inclusive learning and long-term development.”
The selection process will consider results from the 2024 SSII mock examinations conducted by KSSQAA, with further criteria to ensure the most deserving candidates benefit.
Professor Abubakar Zaria pointed out that this move is a continuation of previous interventions.
“In 2024, over 136,000 candidates were assisted in taking part in various internal exams, and in 2025, we are supporting nearly 176,000 students, including orphans and Hybrid CBT candidates,” he said.
He urged stakeholders across the education sector, including parents, teachers, and school administrators, to work together to ensure the sponsored students make the most of the opportunity.