FG halts proposed 2027 WAEC, NECO fee increase after public outcry

The Federal Government has suspended the 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.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026, letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with relevant stakeholders.

In a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government said the decision followed reactions and constructive feedback from Nigerians over the planned increase.

According to the ministry, the proposed review was necessitated by rising operational costs associated with conducting credible national examinations, noting that registration fees had remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing expenses.

The ministry cited logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services as factors driving the proposed adjustment.

However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

The ministry said the suspension would allow for extensive consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners before any final decision is taken.

It stressed that the proposed fee increase would not take effect until the consultation process is concluded and a final decision reached.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to education, the ministry said the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The ministry also appreciated parents, students and other stakeholders for their understanding and assured the public that updates would be provided throughout the consultation process.