The House of Representatives has said the Federal Government is not buoyant enough to afford free WAEC, NECO and JAMB for the 2023/2024 secondary academic session.

The House rejected the motion that sought to compel the federal government to make the 2023/2024 secondary school examination free for Nigerian students.

The lawmakers kicked against the motion by Anamero Dekeri, who called on the federal government to make WAEC, NECO and JAMB free for this academic session.

Naija News reports that this development is coming at a time when lawmakers are being criticised for a planned purchase of exotic cars worth billions of naira as official vehicles.

In the motion, Dekeri suggested that the monies the federal government saved from the removal of petroleum subsidy should be used to help families that are struggling.

The lawmaker said the Ministry of Education should make the examinations free.

Dekeri stated, “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.”

However, the motion was kicked against by members of the House of Representatives.

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.

After a long debate, Awaji Abiante moved a motion for the House to step it down, and it was adopted unanimously.