The Kwara State Government has approved the sponsorship of the 2026 Common Entrance Placement Examination for pupils seeking admission into Junior Secondary Schools across the state, emphasising that no registered pupil is required to pay any fee for the examination, as the state government has taken full responsibility for the cost.

The examination will be held on Saturday, 1 August 2026, simultaneously in accredited centres across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, announced the approval and examination date on Tuesday at the Ministry's Headquarters in Ilorin.

Dr. Olohungbebe stated that the examination will commence at 8:00 a.m. prompt and advised candidates to arrive early at their designated centres.

He explained that the sponsorship of the examination was approved by the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in line with the administration's commitment to expanding access to quality basic education for every child in Kwara State.

The Commissioner warned headteachers, principals and examination officials against collecting any unauthorised fee from pupils or parents, stressing that any violation would attract disciplinary action in accordance with the law.

He also cautioned candidates and school authorities to shun all forms of examination malpractice, noting that the government remains committed to conducting a credible and merit-based placement exercise.

"We appreciate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for approving the full sponsorship of the Common Entrance Placement Examination. This demonstrates his administration's resolve to remove financial barriers and ensure that every Kwara child has equal opportunity to access quality education," the Commissioner said.

The Ministry urged parents, guardians and other stakeholders to ensure that eligible pupils are duly registered and adequately prepared ahead of the examination date.