FG Suspends Planned WAEC, NECO Fee Hike, Orders Fresh Consultations with Stakeholders
…Says students’ welfare, equitable access to education remain top priority
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has suspended the 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), opting instead for wider consultations with key stakeholders before taking a final decision.
The announcement was contained in a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, on July 13, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the letter conveying the proposed adjustment in examination registration fees, dated June 18, 2026, has been formally withdrawn to pave the way for a comprehensive review process and broader engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
The Ministry explained that the decision followed concerns and constructive feedback from Nigerians, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to transparent, inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
It acknowledged the keen interest shown by the public in issues affecting access to quality education and assured that all views would be taken into account before any future decision is made.
While explaining the rationale behind the proposed fee adjustment, the Ministry noted that the recommendation was driven by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of administering credible public examinations nationwide.
According to the statement, examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational expenses, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, deployment of technology, quality assurance and other critical services required to safeguard the integrity of national examinations.
However, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has directed that the proposal be suspended pending the outcome of extensive consultations.
The Minister said the decision reflects the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are “carefully considered, socially responsive and reflect the collective interest of the nation.”
As part of the renewed consultation process, the Ministry said it would engage examination bodies, State Ministries of Education, school proprietors, school administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners.
The objective, according to the Ministry, is to ensure that any future decision on examination fees is fair, transparent, sustainable and responsive to prevailing economic realities, while protecting access to education for all Nigerian children.
The Ministry further clarified that the proposed increase in registration fees will not take effect as earlier communicated until the consultation process is concluded.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to education sector reforms, 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.
The Ministry also appreciated Nigerians for their understanding, patience and continued support, assuring the public that it would keep citizens adequately informed throughout the consultation process.
