BY Samuel Akpan
The house of representatives has rejected a motion seeking a waiver of fees for secondary school examinations in 2023 and 2024.
Moved by Anamero Dekeri, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Edo, the motion had sought to call on the federal government to pay the fees for the WAEC, NECO, and UTME examinations for students.
The motion was, however, rejected after an extensive debate by the lawmakers.
THE MOTION
Dekeri said the removal of petrol subsidy is taking a heavy toll on Nigerians, particularly low-income earners.
He said “profiteers” are taking “undue advantage” of the situation, further exacerbating the cost of living for the already “impoverished population”.
The legislator said a major challenge of the low-income earning parents is the education of their wards, “particularly the payment of examination fees”.
He prayed the house to ask the ministry of education to declare 2023 and 2024 WAEC, NECO and JAMB examinations registration free to assist those who can’t afford it.
THE DEBATE
While contributing, Julius Ihonvbere, leader of the house, opposed the motion.
He proposed an amendment to the motion: that each member should adopt schools in their constituency and pay the examination fees.
However, Alhassan Doguwa, a lawmaker from Kano, protested against the amendment.
Doguwa said some members were already paying examination fees of members of their constituency which is merely a moral responsibility.
The lawmaker said it “would be a problem” if the motion is passed.
When the amendment was put to a vote by Abbas Tajudeen, speaker of the house, it was rejected by the lawmakers.
Olumide Osoba, a lawmaker from Ogun state, moved an amendment to the motion: that state governments should take up the responsibility instead.
Morruf Afuape supported Osoba’s amendment and further proposed that only students from public schools should be beneficiaries.
When the two amendments were put to a voice vote by Abbas, it was accepted as the ayes overwhelmed the nays.
Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Rivers, criticised the entire motion, saying it is vague and discriminatory and against the provision of the constitution.
“We have taken an oath not to go against the constitution, and excluding some people would be discriminatory,” Abiante said.
He prayed the house to reject the motion in its entirety.
Abiante’s prayer was overwhelmingly adopted when it was subjected to a voice vote by Abbas.
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