BREAKING: FG Suspends Proposed WAEC, NECO Registration Fee Hike

The Federal Government has suspended its 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 public concerns.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the decision was taken to allow for broader consultations with key stakeholders before any final decision is made on the proposed fee adjustment.

The ministry disclosed that the earlier letter dated June 18, 2026, conveying the planned fee review has now been withdrawn to pave the way for a comprehensive review involving examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners.

The Federal Government explained that although the proposed increase was informed by the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations—including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance—it has decided to place the proposal on hold in the interest of transparency and inclusiveness.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, was said to have directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking and policies that reflect the interests of Nigerians.

The ministry acknowledged the concerns and constructive feedback received from members of the public, noting that the welfare of students and access to quality education remain top priorities.

“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 to ensure that any future decision is fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing realities while safeguarding access to education,” the statement read.

It further clarified that the proposed review of examination registration fees will no longer take effect as earlier communicated until the consultation process is concluded.

The Federal Ministry of Education reassured Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain at the heart of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.

The ministry also thanked Nigerians and education stakeholders for their understanding, patience and continued support, promising to keep the public informed as consultations progress.