Nigerian govt bows to pressure, suspends proposed review of WAEC, NECO registration fees ‎

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.

‎This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo

‎According to Mrs Boriowo, the ministry has withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment to allow for a comprehensive review and wider consultations with relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.

‎She said the decision followed concerns and constructive feedback from members of the public over the proposed increase.

‎She further explained that the proposed review was necessitated by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations.

‎She listed the increasing costs of logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services as factors responsible for the proposal.

‎According to her, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the federal government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

‎She added that the ministry would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders as part of the fresh review process.

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

‎Boriowo reaffirmed that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remained central to the federal government’s education agenda.

‎She also appreciated Nigerians for their understanding, patience and continued support, assuring that the public would be kept informed throughout the consultation process.‎(NAN)