On Wednesday, the House of Representatives rejected a motion that urged the federal government to provide free secondary school examinations for the 2023/2024 academic year as a measure to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal. The motion, put forth by Anamero Dekeri (APC, Edo), called for the government to cover the fees for WAEC, NECO, and UTME exams for all students. However, following an extensive debate on the House floor, the motion was ultimately rejected by lawmakers.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Dekeri argued that the removal of petroleum subsidy had placed a significant burden on low-income individuals who were now spending more on transportation and essential services. He noted that the government had saved a substantial amount of money due to the subsidy removal, and he proposed that some of these savings be directed towards assisting families.
“As a result of the removal of fuel subsidy, the government may have saved approximately NGN 17.2 billion daily from a few cartels that have been exploiting the poor masses,” he stated.
He called on the House to request the Ministry of Education to make the 2023 and 2024 WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations registration free, with the aim of providing direct relief to the common man in light of the fuel subsidy removal.
Additionally, he urged the lower House to prompt the Minister of Finance, Budget, Economic, and National Planning to develop a comprehensive framework that would empower the poor masses in Nigeria.
In response to the motion, the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), opposed it and suggested that each member should take responsibility for schools in their respective constituencies and cover the examination fees. However, this proposed amendment was not accepted after being put to a vote.
Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) proposed an amendment suggesting that state governments should bear the responsibility of covering these examination fees. Morruf Afuape (APC, Ogun) also introduced an amendment that would limit the benefits to public schools. Both of these amendments were adopted by the House through a voice vote.
However, Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP, Rivers) raised concerns about the exclusion of private schools from this government policy, arguing that it is discriminatory and against the spirit of the country’s Constitution. He moved a motion for the entire motion and its amendments to be set aside, which was subsequently adopted by the House following a vote by the Speaker.
