The Gombe government says it has expended N500 million on payment of external examination fees for indigent students in the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Aishatu Maigari, stated this in an interview on Wednesday in Gombe.
She said payments were made in respect of candidates for the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), and National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), and Student Exchange programme.
“Gov. Inuwa Yahaya’s vision is not limited to ease the financial burdens on the parents but reshaping the entire educational infrastructure in the state.
“This significant investment is an indication of his administration’s commitment to inclusive, accessible and future focused education.
“The initiative is part of reforms aimed at empowering young people with the knowledge and skills needed for a self reliant and productive future,” she told NAN.
Maigari said the state government also upgraded five mega schools, equipped with modern facilities such as ICT centres, solar systems, roads and staff quarters.
She said the state government accorded premium to the teacher development programmes in line with global best practices.
“Teachers received specialised training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in education; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and Agricultural Sciences.”