Taraba govt releases over N1.8bn for 2026 NECO, NABTEB, BECE registrations

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has approved and released over N1.8 billion for the registration of candidates for the 2026 external examinations across the state.

The Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education, Augustina Godwin, disclosed this on Monday during the symbolic presentation of cheques in Jalingo, saying the initiative was aimed at expanding access to education and easing the financial burden on parents and guardians.

According to her, the state government paid N1,613,646,250 for the registration of 44,133 candidates for the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

She further revealed that the government also approved and released N53,865,000 for the registration of 1,570 candidates for the 2026 National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations.

In addition, Dr Godwin stated that Governor Kefas released N196,822,190 for the registration of 38,956 candidates for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across Taraba State.

The commissioner described the gesture as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to improving access to quality education and strengthening the education sector through strategic investment.

She noted that the government remained focused on revitalising the sector through examination sponsorship, infrastructure development, teachers’ capacity building, and the provision of an improved learning environment.

Dr Godwin urged students, teachers and school administrators to justify the government’s investment by maintaining discipline, showing dedication, and avoiding examination malpractice.

She also commended Governor Kefas for prioritising the future of children in the state through the prompt payment of examination fees, adding that the initiative had continued to boost school enrolment and retention across Taraba State.

The Taraba State comptrollers of NECO and NABTEB also praised the governor for what they described as giant strides in the education sector, noting that the free registration policy had significantly increased candidates’ participation in the examinations compared to previous years.