Reps Reject A Resolution To Give Nigerian Students Free Access To WAEC, NECO, And JAMB

As part of steps to lessen the impact of the loss of gasoline subsidies, the House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected a motion for the federal government to make all secondary school exams for 2023–2024 free for all Nigerians.

The federal government was requested to cover the costs of all students' WAEC, NECO, and UTME tests in a motion made by Anamero Dekeri (Edo, APC).

Nevertheless, following a protracted discussion on the House floor, the members rejected the measure.

Nigerians are still protesting the MPs' decision to spend billions on official vehicles at the time of this motion. According to the motion, Dekeri, the federal government should assist poor families because it already saved money by eliminating the petroleum subsidy.

"With the cooperation of the masses, the federal government was able to deliver Nigerians from a few individuals that took the nation's economy hostage through fuel subsidy payment conduit pipe that has plundered this country's economy for too long.

"As a result of the removal of fuel subsidy, the government may have saved approximately (NI7, 200,000,000.00) seventeen billion two hundred million naira only, daily from a few cartels that have been sucking the poor masses," he said.

He appealed for the House to press the Ministry of Education to make the registration for the WAEC, NECO, and JAMB exams free in 2023 and 2024 so that the average person might directly profit from the elimination of fuel subsidies.

He also begged the lower House to press the Minister of Finance, Budget, Economic Affairs, and National Planning to develop a strong framework that will provide the impoverished masses in Nigeria with a feeling of identity.

The House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), rejected the motion in its entirety in his contribution to it and also suggested an amendment requiring each member to adopt and support the local schools in their district. Ado Doguwa, however, opposed the change, arguing that members are already covering the costs. Awaji Abiante moved a resolution for the House to step it down after a lengthy debate, and it was approved by a unanimous vote.