FG suspends planned N50,000 WAEC, NECO fee hike after public outcry

The Federal Government has suspended its 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), following widespread public concerns over the planned increase.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced the decision on Monday, saying it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026, letter communicating the proposed fee adjustment to allow for a comprehensive review of the policy.

The ministry had earlier approved N50,000 as the new examination fee for WAEC and NECO for secondary school candidates from 2027, up from the initial N27,500, representing an 82% increase.

The approval had followed a request by WAEC for an upward review of fees, but it drew swift criticism from prominent figures, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the ministry said the suspension followed concerns and constructive feedback from members of the public and other education stakeholders.

The ministry explained that the initial proposal had been driven by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations, noting that registration fees had remained largely unchanged for several years despite increases in operational expenses.

According to the ministry, the fresh review process would involve extensive consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents' associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other relevant partners before any decision is taken.

The ministry stressed that the proposed increase would not take effect until the consultation process is concluded, and reassured Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain central to the education agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.