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From Ralph Omololu Agbana, Lokoja
Rep Abejide Set to Pay WAEC fees for SS3 students in Private Schools in Okunland
Member of House of Representatives for Yagba Federal Constituency, Hon Leke Abejide has commenced data capturing of all students in the private secondary schools in Okunland, Kogi State. The process is to aquint him with the accurate numbers of eligible beneficiaries towards offsetting the payment of WAEC fees for the students on behalf of parents.
The five local councils involved are Yagba East, Yagba West, Mopamuro, Ijumu, and Kabbabunu. Abejide’s has the history of offsetting WAEC fees for final year secondary school students in Yagba Federal Constituency, comprising Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro Councils dating back to 2018, through his pet project, Leke Abejide Foundation. He was subsequently elected to the House of Representatives in 2019.
The gesture was later extended to Kabbabunu and Ijumu Local Councils in Kabba-Bunu-Ijumu Federal Constituency, outside his catchment area.
The latest initiative, like previously, is expected to benefit thousands of students, alleviating the financial burden on parents and guardians, Abejide’s Media Office stated on Wednesday.
According to the statement, “Hon Abejide’s initiative is a significant step towards promoting academic excellence in Okunland. His commitment to education is well-documented, with a proven track record of supporting educational development in his constituency. For instance, he has been consistent in paying WAEC fees for students in his constituency, demonstrating his dedication to empowering the youth through education.The WAEC fees payment initiative is a comprehensive programme that has been benefiting final-year students in public and private schools in Yagba Federal Constituency for six consecutive years. In addition, his foundation has paid WAEC fees for all students across Kabba Bunu and Ijumu Federal Constituency. This initiative has not only alleviated the financial burden on parents and guardians but has also provided a level playing field for all students, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds”.
It added that through his sustained effort, Abejide is enabling students to focus on their studies, rather than worrying about the financial implications of sitting for the exams.
Last year, the Kogi State Government had announced it was taking over the responsibility for the payment of WAEC fees for final year students in public primary and secondary schools. The policy, however, excluded students in private schools.
Director General of Leke Abejide Foundation (LAF), Chief Shola Adebola described this latest initiative as another first scored by the lawmaker in his commitment to ensuring that every student in his constituency and beyond had access to quality education.
“As the capturing of WAEC fees commences, students, parents, and guardians are advised to take advantage of this initiative to ensure that they benefit from this life-changing opportunity. With this initiative, Hon. Abejide has once again demonstrated his commitment to the well-being and future of his people ,and his legacy as a champion of education in Okunland is further solidified”, he said.
