FG Suspends Planned WAEC, NECO Registration Fee Hike After Public Outcry
the cost of conducting national examinations has continued to rise due to increased logistics expenses, security requirements, printing of examination materials, deployment of technology, quality assurance measures and other essential services needed to safeguard the integrity and credibility of public examinations nationwide.
The Federal Government has suspended the proposed 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 widespread opposition from parents, students and education stakeholders across the country.
The decision came after mounting public criticism over the planned fee hike, prompting the Federal Ministry of Education to halt the proposal and begin fresh consultations with relevant stakeholders before reaching a final decision.
The ministry announced the suspension on Monday, disclosing that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter which communicated the proposed adjustment in examination registration fees.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government said the decision followed careful consideration of public reactions and constructive feedback received on the proposed increase.
The ministry explained that although the review was necessitated by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations, the government had decided to suspend its implementation in line with its commitment to inclusive and transparent policymaking.
According to the statement, registration fees for both WAEC and NECO examinations have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational costs.
It noted that the cost of conducting national examinations has continued to rise due to increased logistics expenses, security requirements, printing of examination materials, deployment of technology, quality assurance measures and other essential services needed to safeguard the integrity and credibility of public examinations nationwide.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, subsequently directed that the planned fee increase be suspended pending extensive consultations with stakeholders.
The ministry said the decision reflects the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are subjected to broad-based consultations before implementation.
It added that discussions would now be held with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners as part of the review process.
“As part of the fresh review process, the Ministry will engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners,” the statement said.
The ministry explained that the consultations are aimed at ensuring that any future decision on examination registration fees is fair, transparent, sustainable and responsive to the country’s current economic realities while protecting students’ access to education.
It stressed that the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees would not take effect until the consultation process is concluded and a final decision is reached.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to education, the ministry said the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.
The ministry also appreciated parents, students and education stakeholders for their understanding, patience and continued support, assuring Nigerians that they would be kept informed as consultations progress.
