The Zamfara State Government has allocated over ₦1.3 billion to sponsor 20,000 students for the 2026 West African Examinations Council and National Examination Council examinations, alongside launching a comprehensive biometric data capture exercise.

Alhaji Wadatau Madawaki, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, flagged off the biometric capture programme on Thursday at Sambo Secondary School in Gusau, revealing that the state government is covering examination costs for over 20,000 students.

"Education remains a key priority of this administration, and we will continue to embrace innovation and digital solutions in line with global best practice. I appreciate ZITDA's Executive Secretary, Habib Abubakar Gajam, for ensuring the commencement of this exercise. I call on school administrators, teachers, parents, and students to cooperate fully with officials to ensure the success of this exercise," Madawaki stated.

The commissioner emphasised that the biometric data capture aims to build a reliable education database, enhance transparency, and ensure accountability in exam sponsorship, assuring that his ministry, in collaboration with ZITDA, will remain committed to capturing accurate student data for education development.

Habibu Abubakar Gajam, Executive Secretary of Zamfara Information Technology Development Agency, explained that the exercise extends beyond SSS III students, targeting all secondary school students to enable the government build a comprehensive education database.

"ZITDA is pleased to notify the ministry that preparations for the 2026 WAEC and NECO eRegistration exercise for all Government sponsored candidates have formally commenced. This biometric capture exercise extends beyond SSS III students; all secondary school students will be captured to enable the Government to build a comprehensive and reliable education database," Gajam revealed.

He noted that the exercise is being conducted in close collaboration with the ministry, particularly the examinations and records department, ensuring efficiency and transparency in the education sector.

Hajiya Maryam Yahaya Shantali, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, emphasised that the exercise would enhance education standards, address exam malpractice, and protect students' hard work.

Governor Dauda Lawal's administration has demonstrated commitment to repositioning the education sector through innovation and digital solutions aligned with global best practices, with the ₦1.3 billion investment representing one of the largest single interventions in examination sponsorship in the state's history.