On November 15, 2024, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), in partnership with the Back to School Educational Initiative and supported by Rise-Up, organized a sensitization program at Government Girls Secondary School Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The event aimed to advocate for the reinstatement of the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) fee payment by the Kaduna State Government.
The program saw the attendance of diverse stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious leaders, the Education Secretary of Jema’a LGA, School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs).
In his welcoming remarks, Ibrahim Makama, the Desk Officer for Jema’a LGA, commended the organizers for addressing this critical issue. He highlighted the adverse impact of suspending SSCE fee payments, noting that many students have been forced to drop out of school at the senior secondary level due to financial constraints.
Abdul Ahmed the Senior Programs Manager of GPFN provided an overview of the program and presented data from a baseline survey conducted across Kaduna State’s three senatorial zones. The findings revealed a significant disparity between student enrollment and those able to sit for the SSCE: while 12,000 students were enrolled, only 4,000 took the examination, leaving 8,000 unable to afford the fees. This underscores the urgent need for government intervention to support vulnerable students.
Dogara Audu, the Education Secretary for Jema’a LGA, emphasized the importance of advocacy programs like this, which address the needs of the people.
Several participants shared their perspectives:
Community Leaders pledged to raise the issue during their weekly meetings.
Religious Leaders committed to sensitizing their congregations during Friday and Sunday sermons.
Pastor Simon Yusuf shared his personal experience as a beneficiary of the SSCE fee payment by a previous administration, stressing his determination to advocate for its reinstatement.
A Parent recounted how his two daughters benefited from the program in the past and urged collective efforts to ensure children continue to have access to this opportunity.
A PTA Representative expressed satisfaction with the focus on the SSCE fee issue, citing recent concerns about low student registration for this year’s examinations due to financial challenges.
Participants also recommended grassroots advocacy efforts, particularly engaging State House of Assembly members to support a bill mandating the state government to reinstate SSCE fee payments for sustainability.