The Sokoto State Government and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the education sector. This commitment was made during a meeting to review the conduct of the 2026 examinations, assess challenges, and discuss the way forward. The meeting, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Sanusi Aliyu Binji, brought together stakeholders to discuss the state of education in Sokoto.
Dr. Binji emphasized the importance of the partnership between the Sokoto State Government and WAEC, highlighting the council's role in maintaining examination standards and promoting academic excellence. He noted that the administration of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto had paid examination fees for students, including WAEC fees, for the 2026 examination year. This move is expected to encourage students to focus on their studies without financial burdens.
The Permanent Secretary expressed the state government's satisfaction with WAEC's conduct of examinations in Sokoto State, reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote quality education. He commended WAEC for its efforts in ensuring that students in Sokoto State have access to credible and standardized examinations. The state government's support for WAEC is seen as a significant step towards improving educational standards in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the WAEC Zonal Coordinator in Sokoto, the Deputy Director, Engr. I. O. Omogbai, commended the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the state government for their commitment to educational development. He noted that the annual State Council meeting provides a platform for stakeholders to review examination activities, assess successes, identify challenges, and develop strategies for improvement.
Engr. Omogbai explained that several issues relating to the conduct of the 2026 examinations were discussed during the meeting, with participants sharing observations and recommendations aimed at improving future examinations. The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their experiences and expertise, with a view to enhancing the quality of education in Sokoto State.
The Director of Examination Matters, Abubakar Abdullahi, welcomed members and highlighted the importance of the meeting in reviewing examination activities, addressing concerns, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders. He observed that Sokoto State had not experienced any significant challenges in the conduct of the 2026 examinations so far. Other stakeholders, including the Director of Senior Secondary Schools, Muhammad Rabiu, also contributed to the discussions.
The meeting was attended by various stakeholders in the education sector, including the President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Sokoto State, Bello Abubakar; the Sokoto State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Murtala Muhammad; and the State Chairman of the Association of Private School Proprietors, Ahmed S/Fada. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders in ensuring credible examinations and improving educational standards across the state.
Key points
- The Sokoto State Government and WAEC have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the education sector.
- The state government has paid examination fees for students, including WAEC fees, for the 2026 examination year.
- The annual State Council meeting provides a platform for stakeholders to review examination activities and develop strategies for improvement.
