The Lagos State Government has paid a total of N1,577,794,000 to cover examination fees for 58,188 students who sat for the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), as part of its free education programme.
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja, to commemorate the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to Alli-Balogun, biometric capture and image registration were conducted to ensure accountability and prevent wastage, resulting in 56,134 students being registered as bona fide beneficiaries for government sponsorship.
Despite the state’s massive investment, only 45.7% of candidates passed both English Language and Mathematics in the 2024 WASSCE, prompting the government to intensify efforts to boost academic performance and reform the system.
Eko Learners’ Support Programme and Academic Reforms
In response to the declining performance, Alli-Balogun announced the launch of the Eko Learners’ Support Programme for WASSCE and NECO candidates in January 2025. The initiative aims to equip students with academic tools, motivation, and structured support for better outcomes.
He emphasized that strategic meetings with school principals across all six education districts have led to new policies, including the exclusive promotion of high-performing students to terminal classes, a move designed to curb mass promotion and encourage academic excellence.
“We believe this strategy will elevate education standards in the state, motivate students to strive harder, and improve academic outcomes,” he said.
Out-of-School Children Reintegrated
The commissioner also revealed that 30,000 out-of-school children have been kitted and reintegrated into public schools across the state, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda’s focus on Education and Technology.
“This effort is aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and the attendant menace,” he said, stressing that education remains the government’s priority as the foundation for societal development.
Teacher Welfare and Capacity Building
On staff welfare, Alli-Balogun said 4,353 teachers were recruited between 2023 and 2024 and deployed across education districts and vocational centers. Additionally, N102.5 million was approved by the Governor for teacher housing loans, covering both backlogs and new beneficiaries.
Also, N43.5 million was disbursed to 121 officers as car refurbishment loans.
Call for Discipline and Positive Student Engagement
The commissioner cautioned students to stay away from social vices such as drug abuse, cultism, gang activities, and examination malpractice, urging them to channel their energy into co-curricular activities supported by the ministry and NGOs.
He noted the reactivation of sports, physical and health education, and hands-on interactive learning methods to improve student engagement, mental discipline, and holistic development.