Breaking; FG suspends new fee for WAEC, NECO Exams

By Stephen Oladele

Federal Government has suspended the proposed review of examination registration fees in which a uniform fee of N50, 000 has been reportedly fixed for both West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE)

The review had attracted criticism from members of the public including former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Party (ADC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who said the government was economically insensitive with the new fee.

However, the government in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, said the letter coveying the proposed fee has been withdrawn to allowed for a comprehensive review and broader consultations.

The education ministry while stating that the  proposed review had been informed by the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations acknowledged the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public on the review.

The statement said the review would not take effect pending the conclusion of the consultation process to be newly embarked upon.

The statement reads: “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).

“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Ministry of Education announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.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 proposed review was informed by the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations. The current examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational costs, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services required to maintain the integrity and credibility of public examinations across the country.

“Nevertheless, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking. 

“This decision underscores the Ministry’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 fresh review process, the Ministry will further 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.

“Accordingly, the proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process.

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

“The Ministry appreciates the understanding, patience and continued support of all stakeholders and remains committed to keeping the public fully informed throughout the consultation process.”