The state Ministry of Education in Kogi has been ordered by the state House of Assembly to pay N497.3 million to WAEC for examination fees by December 30.

The house wondered why the examination body had not received the fees, which had been approved by Gov. Yahaya Bello.

The Speaker of the house, Umar Yusuf, gave the deadline to the state Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr Wemi Jones, on Thursday during the plenary session.

Jones had said that some school principals were charging WAEC fees and other levies even though the government had released the funds.

Gov. Bello approved N497.3 million in November to pay for the fees of 15,033 students from the state’s 21 local government areas, but the payment has not been made yet.

Jones, who appeared before the house, said that the funds were available but that the payment process was still ongoing.

“I want to assure this honorable house that the money approved by our caring governor is not missing but safe in the ministry’s account.

“I promise you that it will get to WAEC before the deadline of January 28, 2024, and not to any principal or school, ” he said.