Ayuba Sanusi
THE Kebbi State government has secured the release of West African Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) certificates for 164 students, indigenes of the state, from the Key Science Academy, Masaka, Abuja after the payment of N950 million, tuition and examination fees.
The Academy has withheld the certificates for non-payment, which the immediate past administration failed to deliver, until the advent of the incumbent government of Governor Nasir Idris, which paid the money.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Halima Muhammad Bande, announced this in Birnin Kebbi yesterday at the presentation of the certificates to the affected students by the state Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida.
Dr Halima Bande explained that most of the students studied disciplines of medicine and other science subjects, but some of them could not secure admission for higher studies due to the non-availability of original copies of certificates.
“Governor Kauran Gwandu paid the whopping sum of N950 million to the Science Academy for the certificates’ release which the previous government failed to do.
“This gesture is unprecedented in the history of Kebbi State; the Ministry of Education, parents, and the students are grateful to the governor; this magnanimity will enable the students to continue with their education“, the Commissioner said.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, affirmed that the present administration places a premium on educational development in all ramifications.
“Governor Nasir Idris is a professional teacher; he fully understands and upholds the sanctity of knowledge; education growth remains the bedrock of the policy thrust of the administration.
“The payment of N950 million by the governor to secure the release of the withheld certificates is highly appreciated; we are thankful to Dr Nasir Idris for his immense efforts to develop education in Kebbi.
“I am urging the students to reciprocate the gesture through serious studies to attain excellence, put in your best”, the deputy governor advised.
On behalf of the benefitting students, Aminu Ahmad Kadanho expressed appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris for liberating the students from the clutches of financial indebtedness to the Science Academy, which prevented some of the students from further education.
“Your Excellency, it behoves us to show gratitude; we are offering our services voluntarily to relevant government ministries, agencies or departments. In return, we remain forever thankful to this administration of Kauran Gwandu and Tafidan Kabi“, Kadanho said.
Afterwards, the Deputy Governor presented the WAEC and NECO certificates to the affected students assisted by the Commissioner for Education.
Eighteen-Eleven Media