Following the implementation of free primary education which dates back to 1955 in the old Western Region of Nigeria of which Bendel State was a part,
there was a very large number of first school leaving certificate holders. Only a very significant percentage of these primary school leavers cold go beyond that level
at that time owing to non-availability of enough secondary schools in addition to high school fees charged. But in 1979, free education with free books was introduced
by the defunct Bendel State Government.