FG Suspends Raise In WAEC, NECO Registration Fees

The Federal Government has put on hold the planned increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), following public opposition and calls for wider consultations.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter which introduced the proposed fee adjustment. The ministry said the proposal would remain suspended until a full review of the policy is completed.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government explained that the decision followed concerns raised by Nigerians over the planned increase. It said it had carefully considered the public reactions and feedback before deciding to suspend the proposal.

The ministry explained that the planned review of examination fees was originally prompted by the country’s economic situation and the increasing cost of conducting credible national examinations.

It noted that registration fees for the examinations had remained largely unchanged for several years, despite higher expenses linked to logistics, security, printing examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services required to maintain the credibility of the examinations.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, subsequently directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based decision-making.

According to the ministry, the move shows the government’s intention to ensure that policies affecting millions of students and their families are properly discussed with relevant stakeholders before they are introduced.

As part of the fresh review, the ministry said it would begin broad consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, school administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other interested groups.

The consultations are expected to help the government reach a decision that is fair, sustainable, transparent and suitable for the country’s current economic conditions while protecting access to education.

The ministry also made it clear that the proposed increase in examination registration fees would not take effect until the consultation process is completed and a final decision is announced.

It assured Nigerians that the welfare of students, equal access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain key priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.

The ministry also appreciated parents, students and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding and continued support, while promising to keep the public updated throughout the consultation process.