FG Suspends Proposed N50,000 WAEC, NECO Registration Fee Hike 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 criticism.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it had withdrawn its June 18 letter proposing a uniform registration fee of N50,000 for both examinations to allow for broader consultations with relevant stakeholders before making a final decision.

The proposed fee, which would have increased the registration cost from N27,500, sparked strong reactions from parents, education stakeholders and opposition figures, who argued that the hike would place additional financial burdens on families and limit access to education for students from low-income households.

In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry explained that the proposed adjustment was necessitated by the rising cost of conducting public examinations.

According to the statement, examination fees have remained relatively stable for years despite increasing expenses associated with logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance.

The ministry, however, said the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

It added that the suspension would enable consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour and other key stakeholders before any final decision is reached.

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

It reaffirmed that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain central to the Federal Government’s education agenda, while assuring Nigerians that the public would be kept informed throughout the consultation process.