Kwara State Government Fixes August 1 for 2026 Common Entrance Examination, Sponsors All Candidates

The Kwara State Government has announced Saturday, August 1, 2026, as the official date for the Common Entrance Placement Examination into Junior Secondary Schools across the state.

In a move aimed at improving access to basic education, the state government will fully sponsor the examination for all registered candidates, ensuring that no pupil pays any fee to participate.

According to a statement issued by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Peter Amogbonjaye, the initiative was approved by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as part of the administration’s commitment to removing financial barriers to education.

The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Lawal Olohungbebe, disclosed that the examination will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will be conducted simultaneously at accredited centres across all 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

He explained that the governor’s approval reflects the administration’s determination to provide every child in Kwara State with equal access to quality basic education, regardless of their financial background.

Olohungbebe also issued a strong warning to headteachers, principals, and examination officials, directing them not to collect any unauthorised fees from pupils or parents. He stressed that anyone found violating the directive would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.

The commissioner further cautioned candidates and school authorities against engaging in any form of examination malpractice. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conducting a transparent, credible, and merit-based placement examination.

He commended Governor AbdulRazaq for approving the full sponsorship, describing the decision as another demonstration of the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for children across the state.

The Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development has encouraged parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to ensure that all eligible pupils are properly registered and adequately prepared ahead of the August 1 examination.