In a significant move to boost education in the state, the Kano State Government has released the results of the 2024 Senior Secondary Qualifying Examination, reaffirming its commitment to providing quality education and easing the financial burden on families. The announcement was made by the State Commissioner of Education, Alhaji Ali Haruna Makoda, during a press briefing in Kano, highlighting the government’s dedication to improving access to education.
The examination saw 141,715 candidates from public schools participate, with over 75% qualifying for state sponsorship. This is a notable increase from the previous year, where 125,000 candidates were sponsored by the state government. This year, the state government has approved the sponsorship of all indigent state candidates who scored a minimum of five credits in the examination. The beneficiaries will have their registration fees fully covered for the 2025 national exams, including NECO, NABTEB, NBAIS, and SSCE, at a cost of over N3 billion to the state government.
According to Commissioner Makoda, this initiative is a “timely and bold” move to promote academic excellence, increase access to education, and ease the financial burden on vulnerable families. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all eligible candidates benefit from the scheme without any bias or obstruction, stressing that they must access their rights “unconditionally and with full transparency.” School principals have been directed to ensure that the registration process is fair and accessible to all eligible candidates.
The Kano State Government’s education reform agenda, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, has already seen significant investments in the sector, including the allocation of 31.5% of the 2024 state budget to education. The declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing education and empowering future generations. As Commissioner Makoda noted, “This is not just about exams, it’s about shaping the future of Kano through an educated and empowered generation.” The government will communicate more details on the registration process to schools and the public through relevant education agencies, ensuring a smooth and transparent process for all beneficiaries.
