Ondo pays N360m WAEC fees

As part of efforts to alleviate the financial burden of parents in educating their wards, the Ondo State government said about N360m was paid as West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examination fees for students in public schools in the state.

The state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, who disclosed this on Tuesday, during the celebration of students who distinguished themselves at International and National competitions in the state, said the present administration has also recruited 1200 teachers as part of efforts to develop education in the state.

Akeredolu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu, said despite the lean and dwindling resources at the disposal of the state, the Akeredolu’s administration has shown commitment to improving the standard of education and promoting technological growth.

According to her, the present administration placed a premium on education, being the driving force for the development of any country and said “our administration has renewed its commitment to the payment of West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) fee for students in public secondary schools in the State, in spite of the dwindling State resources.

“It is common knowledge that most states that had hitherto paid the WASSCE fees of their students had stopped such payment long before now. It is no exaggeration that our government cannot afford to watch the educational career of our students, especially the indigent ones truncated for lack of fund.

“To the glory of God, about two months ago, we paid the sum of N360 million naira for 2021 WASSCE fee for students in public secondary schools in the state. We have also approved about four million naira for the Year 2021 NABTEB fees for 209 final year students in our five technical colleges.

“Aside from this, the government procured and distributed science equipment and textbooks for effective learning/teaching in secondary schools and has recently employed 1,200 teachers for the public primary schools in the state.

“Tertiary institutions are not left out in our development process. We have upgraded, constructed and renovated existing structures in the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo and the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa.”

She also disclosed that the state has invested “massively in the sector based on the necessity to justify our vision and set goals for desirable transformation through the provision of modern infrastructure for primary schools across all the 18 Local Government Areas of the State, and the massive renovations of public schools carried out in our primary schools across the state.

“It is, therefore, apposite to state that all these notable interventions have created an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning in our schools.

“These gestures have equally bridged the gap between the children of the rich and poor. I am glad to disclose those available statistics show that enrolment into public primary schools has greatly improved.”

She disclosed that the state government recruited some teachers while teachers are motivated to bring out the best in their students and said “it is a common knowledge that teachers’ motivation is an essential factor for classroom effectiveness and school improvement.

“In view of this consciousness and as a government with determination to achieve results through unique innovations, attention is always paid to the well-being and training of teachers to encourage and spur them to ultimately improve the academic performances of our pupils and students.

“I must confess that our joy knows no bounds today as we all gather here to celebrate the excellent performances of our children. No doubt, celebrating those who deserve it, is an encouragement for those coming behind to emulate. I am glad that these award winners made use of the rare and golden opportunities provided by the State Government.

“I want to make it clear that our administration will continue to celebrate and reward the outstanding performance of our teachers and students.

“It is in this regard that the state government has decided to reward these 48 students, who will be given ICT equipment worth three million, seven hundred and ninety thousand Naira (N3,790,000.00) in different categories.

“I am delighted to announce that some school principals/teachers have also done the state proud. The teachers that took part in the coaching of these students would also be rewarded. This gesture, I believe, will further encourage and boost the morale of the teachers to be more dedicated to duty.

“It is also our belief that these token gifts would go a long way in motivating other students for excellent performance in future competitions.

“To our dear children, the awardees of today, I congratulate you all. I have no doubt that every one of you will excel in your future endeavours as well as contribute your quota to the development of our dear State in particular and the country at large.

“You should note that determination and hard work are key to success in life. I enjoin you to remain steady and focused as you aspire to achieve your set goals in life.”

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CLAIM: A website claims that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is offering Nigerian students N20,000 grant. This is being sent to unsuspecting students as a bulk SMS with the name Tetfund2021.Ondo pays N360m WAEC fees

Ondo pays N360m WAEC fees