FG Bows to Public Pressure, Suspends Planned Hike in WAEC, NECO Registration Fees By Beauty Akporido Aroh
The Federal Government has suspended its proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), following widespread public concern and in preparation for broader stakeholder consultations.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by Mr. Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, who disclosed that the Ministry had withdrawn its earlier letter dated June 18, 2026, which conveyed the proposed fee adjustment. He explained that the suspension would pave the way for a comprehensive review and extensive engagement with key stakeholders before any final decision is reached.
According to the Ministry, the proposed fee adjustment was necessitated by prevailing economic realities and the increasing cost of conducting credible public examinations across the country. It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite rising operational expenses, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance, and other essential services.
The statement, however, stressed that the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based policymaking.
The Ministry said the decision reflects its determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered and responsive to the country’s socio-economic realities.
It further disclosed that the fresh review process will involve extensive consultations with examination bodies, State Ministries of Education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders, and other critical partners to ensure that any future decision is fair, sustainable, transparent, and does not undermine access to quality education.
The Ministry emphasized that the proposed increase in examination registration fees will not take effect pending the conclusion of the consultation process.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the education sector, the Ministry stated that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education, and responsible policy decisions remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
It also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their understanding, patience, and constructive feedback, assuring the public that all stakeholders will be kept informed as consultations progress toward a widely acceptable outcome.
