Key stakeholders gathered as the Sokoto State Government and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) reaffirmed their shared dedication to uplifting the educational sector, evaluating the execution of the 2026 exams, tackling existing hurdles, and mapping out the road ahead.
The Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Sanusi Aliyu Binji, stated this while chairing the meeting of the WAEC State Committee in Sokoto State.
Dr. Binji said the state government valued its partnership with WAEC, noting that the council plays a vital role in the education sector, particularly in maintaining examination standards and promoting academic excellence.
He stated that the administration of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, had paid examination fees for students, including WAEC fees, for the 2026 examination year.
The Permanent Secretary also 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.
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.
Engr. Omogbai explained that the annual State Council meeting provides an important platform for stakeholders to review examination activities, assess successes, identify challenges, and develop strategies for improvement.
He noted that several issues relating to the conduct of the 2026 examinations were discussed, with participants sharing observations and recommendations aimed at improving future examinations.
In his remarks, 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.
The Director of Senior Secondary Schools, Muhammad Rabiu, also contributed to the discussions, alongside other stakeholders in the education sector.
Among the stakeholders who attended the meeting were 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, (Katukan Dange)
Other relevant stakeholders in the education sector were also in attendance.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration among the Sokoto State Government, WAEC, school administrators, teachers’ unions, private school proprietors, and other education stakeholders in ensuring credible examinations and improving educational standards across the state.
What You Should Know
The Sokoto State Government and WAEC held a high-level review meeting of the State Committee to assess how the 2026 examinations are being conducted. During the session, officials confirmed that the administration of Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has successfully settled WAEC examination fees for eligible students across the state.
- Positive Impact: Covering student exam fees relieves financial pressure on parents and guardians, ensuring that children can sit for critical qualifying exams without economic hindrance.
- Potential Concerns: Continued vigilance and stakeholder cooperation are necessary to sustain smooth examination processes and prevent administrative or logistical bottlenecks in future cycles.
