The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, rejected a motion compelling the federal government to make the 2023/2024 secondary school examination free for all Nigerians.
The Informant247 gathered that the motion, moved by Anamero Dekeri, a member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, Edo State, on the ‘Need to compel JAMB, WAEC and NECO examination bodies to register students for free in the 2023-2024 examination exercise.’
Dekeri premised his motion on the need to assist poor parents in their children’s education, noting that the prevailing economic situation in the country has made it difficult for many parents to fund the education of their wards, even in public schools.
Dekeri said, “The House notes that one of the major challenges of the low-income earning parents is the education of their wards, particularly in payment of examination fees,” and urged his colleagues to prevail on the “Ministry of Education to declare 2023 and 2024 WAEC, NECO and JAMB registration free to enable the common man have a direct benefit of fuel subsidy removal palliatives.”
Dekeri, in his motion, called on the federal government to make WAEC, NECO and JAMB free for this academic session, but the lawmakers kicked against it.
This is coming at a time when Nigerians are still condemning the action of lawmakers to spend billions on their official vehicles.
Dekeri, in the motion, argued that the federal government already saved money through the removal of petroleum subsidy and should help families that are struggling.
The lawmaker said the Ministry of Education should make the examinations free.
“Urge the Ministry of Education to declare 2023 and 2024 WAEC, NECO and JAMB examinations registration free, to enable the common man to have a direct benefit of fuel subsidy removal palliatives,” Dekeri’s prayer reads.
Following the presentation of the motion, it was met with stiff opposition from members of the House.
The Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, moved an amendment that lawmakers should instead fund the free examination. But the amendment was countered by Ado Doguwa, who said members are already paying the fees.
Following a lengthy debate, Awaji Abiante moved a motion for the House to step it down, which was adopted unanimously.