As many state governments are winding down for a new administration from May 29, some still owe the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for 2022 school-based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registered for their students.

The head of the National Office of WAEC Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Areghan, gave the hint in an exclusive interview when asked about the latest concerning the states that are owing the organisation exam fees for last year.

He said while he would not mention states that are concerned or the amount they are owing to protect them from people politicizing the matter, he said some of them still owe the organisation a substantial amount of money.

He said WEAC would continue to engage them in talking to pay their bills even after May 29, when some governors would not return to the seat since the government is continuous.

Areghan explained further that WAEC as an organization would not want to embarrass any governor whether coming in newly or not, hence, the reason for not divulging the details about them.

According to him, even if any governor is coming in new to the seat, the person will certainly inherit both assets and liabilities of the previous government, and WASSCE fees would not be exempted.

“So, we are very hopeful that the incoming government in states that are concerned and every other state nationwide will take funding of education more seriously in their respective states,” he stressed.

However, payment of WASSCE fees for final-year students in public secondary schools by the state government has been one of the strong political campaign strategies used by politicians to gain and retain power in many states of the federation.

And unfortunately, some of them always registered their students for the exam on credit, such as the case in question, leaving WAEC running after them for payment. (Nigerian Tribune)

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