By Akinnodi Francis, Saheed Ibrahim, Kayode Olabanji, Adeboye Ado & Kayode Afolabi

Parents and students in Ondo State have expressed their appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for approving N633.9 million for the payment of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for public secondary school students.

The approval, announced on Friday, will benefit 23,048 students who passed the Joint Senior Secondary School II Promotion Examination conducted by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.

The initiative is aimed at easing financial pressures on families and ensuring that eligible students can sit for their final examinations without financial hindrances.

Parents have described the intervention as a critical step reflecting the governor’s commitment to education and the well-being of the state’s residents.

Mrs. Adebola Ojo, a parent in Akure, appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for the good development, which she said is a great relief for many parents, who have been having nightmares over payment of the fees.

“I want to sincerely thank our governor for his benevolence. I commend his fatherly love and care for people of the state, especially school children. We are indeed, ‘Lucky in Ondo State,” she said.

Also, an Akure-based cleric, Pastor Isaac Olowokere commended the governor for the payment, saying it will reduce the burden of parents.

Olowookere who noted that the governor had paid a huge amount of money to offset the bill, charged the students to reciprocate the gesture by coming out in flying colours in the examinations.

Speaking with Weekend Hope in Ondo City, a parent, Mr Akinnifesi Ayokunle, described the development as laudable, especially in the current economic climate.

He noted that covering the registration fees for public secondary school students had brought significant relief to parents, guardians, and stakeholders.

“The examination represents a crucial academic milestone for students, serving as a gateway to higher education and professional opportunities.

“Ensuring that the state government covers the registration fees annually invariably promotes equitable access to education, allowing all eligible candidates to participate in this pivotal examination without financial hindrance,” he said.

A student of Ondo Boys’ High School, Ondo, Akinlolu Taiwo, appreciated the governor’s gesture, saying it takes a compassionate and visionary leader to approve N633,918,000.00 for the payment of WAEC registration fees for 23,048 secondary school students in public schools across the state.

Similarly, a parent, Mrs Olafusi Olabisi, described the initiative as not just an investment in the future of children but also a huge relief to thousands of parents and guardians, especially in these economically challenging times.

She said Governor Aiyedatiwa had demonstrated a deep commitment to education, human capital development, and equal opportunities for all.

In the same vein, Mr. Benjamin Ikulala, a parent in Okitipupa, lauded the move, describing it as a bold and compassionate step towards educational empowerment.

His words:”Education is the foundation of a prosperous society. By covering WAEC registration fees for students in public schools, Governor Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his dedication to an inclusive and progressive Ondo State. This gesture will not only relieve financial stress on parents, but also inspire students to focus on their studies without fear of missing their final examinations.”

Similarly, Mrs. Florence Iwalere welcomed the development, stating that it would reduce the number of drop-outs and promote academic excellence among students.

“Many parents struggle to raise funds for WAEC registration, leading to students missing their examinations or delaying their academic progress. This initiative has lifted a huge burden off our shoulders, and we sincerely appreciate the governor for his thoughtfulness,” she said.

In Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area, parents also acknowledged the impact of the policy.

A parent, Mr. Adefolahan, commended the initiative, describing it as a great relief for struggling families.

He said: “I must commend the state government for this initiative. Honestly, they have eased our burden because WAEC fees are quite expensive.”

The Education Team Lead of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), Ondo Network, Segun Oladapo, also commended the governor, describing the intervention as a step in the right direction.

Oladapo observed that the initiative would alleviate financial burdens on parents amid Nigeria’s economic struggles and motivate students to dedicate themselves to their studies.

“By making this financial commitment, the governor has demonstrated a strong dedication to fostering educational development in the state and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in their academic pursuits,” he said.

He further called on the state government to expedite action on the deployment of the newly recruited teachers across schools and prioritise the renovation of dilapidated facilities.

“We urge the governor to consider addressing these critical areas by enhancing teacher recruitment efforts and initiating renovations for deteriorating school infrastructure. By doing so, we can create a more conducive atmosphere for learning and development, further empowering students to excel academically,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs. Folayemi Ajayi praised the intervention, noting that many parents had been unable to afford the fees.

“When I heard the news on the radio yesterday, I was excited because many parents can no longer afford WAEC registration. Some students even resort to hawking to raise funds for their exams,” she added.

A Senior Secondary School (SS3)student, Boluwatife Oluwaseun, expressed delight over the development.

“It will at least relieve my parents of the stress of sourcing funds. The money they initially planned to use for my WAEC registration can now be diverted to other essential needs,” she said.

Some of those who spoke with Weekend Hope described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a strong advocate of education, expressing their gratitude for the government’s action.

Mrs. Modupe Afolabi, a parent from Ayegunle Akoko, said she had been deeply worried about raising funds for the registration fees before the announcement.

Her words: “Governor Aiyedatiwa truly cares about education. Just yesterday, I was anxious about how to pay my child’s WAEC fees. I kept wondering where the money would come from? Especially given the current economic hardship.

“As soon as I received the news, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I started dancing and thanking God because this support came at the right time. Many of us were at a loss over what to do next, but now we have hope again. This shows that the governor understands the challenges students face and is willing to help.

“I sincerely appreciate Governor Aiyedatiwa for this thoughtful intervention. He has demonstrated that he values education and wants to see students succeed. This act of generosity will not be forgotten, and I pray that God bless him abundantly for standing by us in this difficult period.”

Another parent, Mr. Dare Makanjuola described the initiative as a significant relief for thousands of parents across the state.

Similarly, Mrs. Gabriel Abigail praised the government’s commitment to education and encouraged other well-meaning Nigerians to support students through scholarship schemes.

“I commend the state government for this intervention. Their commitment to education is commendable.

“I also urge other well-meaning Nigerians to support the government. Education is crucial, and we all have a role to play in helping young students succeed,” she said.

Meanwhile, a Senior Secondary School (SS3) student from Ayegunle High School, Oka-Akoko, Oludare Goodluck, expressed gratitude to the governor, stating that many students were excited by the gesture