Obi Hails FG’s Suspension of WAEC, NECO Fee Hike, Calls It Victory for Nigerians

Following the Federal Government’s suspension of the proposed increase in registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has applauded the decision, describing it as a victory for ordinary Nigerians.

The Federal Government announced the suspension on Monday, halting the proposed fee adjustment and withdrawing its June 18, 2026 circular on the matter. The government said the decision was taken to allow for broader consultations with relevant stakeholders before any final decision is made.

Reacting to the development in a post on his X handle, Obi described the suspension as a welcome relief for millions of Nigerian families struggling with the country’s harsh economic conditions.

He said the decision demonstrates the importance of public engagement and shows that government policies can be reconsidered when citizens raise legitimate concerns.

Obi also expressed appreciation to citizens, parents and advocacy groups whose collective voices contributed to the suspension of the proposed fee increase.

While commending the Federal Government for listening to public concerns, Obi argued that the proposed increase should never have been introduced, considering the prevailing economic realities facing Nigerians.

“While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship, when we should be doing everything possible to invest in basic education and reduce the millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria,” he said.

Obi further stressed that education should be treated as a national investment rather than a source of government revenue, insisting that access to education should never be restricted by financial barriers.

“Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue,” he stated.

He warned that imposing additional financial obligations on students and their families could discourage school enrolment and undermine efforts to address Nigeria’s growing out-of-school children crisis.

“Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education. At that stage, the State has a duty to invest in educating and preparing its citizens for productive lives, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school,” Obi added.

The former Anambra State governor also urged the government to review other policies that have placed financial pressure on Nigerians, saying leaders should be willing to reverse decisions that impose unnecessary hardship on citizens.

“True leadership is demonstrated not only by making decisions but also by having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on the people. Many other anti-people policies deserve similar reconsideration,” he said.