FG halts proposed WAEC, NECO examination fee increase pending stakeholder consultations

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), following public concerns over the planned increase.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it had withdrawn its earlier circular dated June 18, 2026, which communicated the proposed fee adjustment, to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations before any final decision is taken.

In a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, the ministry said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

“The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.

“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public and appreciates the keen interest shown by Nigerians in matters relating to access to quality education,” the ministry said.

The announcement comes barely a day after the ministry disclosed plans to increase the registration fee for both WASSCE and NECO Senior School Certificate Examination candidates from 2027, citing rising costs of administering national examinations.

According to the ministry, the proposal was driven by prevailing economic realities and the increasing cost of conducting credible public examinations. It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational expenses.

The ministry listed logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services required to preserve the integrity and credibility of national examinations as key cost drivers behind the proposed review.

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However, Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, has directed that the proposal be put on hold to enable broader engagement with stakeholders.

According to the ministry, the fresh review process will involve consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners.

It said the consultations are intended to ensure that any future decision on examination fees is fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing economic realities, while safeguarding access to education for Nigerian students.

The ministry acknowledged the concerns and feedback received from the public following the announcement of the proposed increase and expressed appreciation for the interest shown by Nigerians in issues affecting access to quality education.

It reiterated that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.

The ministry also assured Nigerians that it would keep the public informed throughout the consultation process before reaching any final decision on the proposed fee review.