Federal Government Suspends Proposed WAEC, NECO Fee Increase After Public Outcry
Federal Government Suspends Proposed 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 following widespread public criticism and calls for a review.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the earlier directive approving the fee adjustment has been withdrawn to allow for broader consultations with key stakeholders before any final decision is taken. The ministry said the move reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
According to the ministry, the proposed review was informed by rising operational costs associated with conducting national examinations, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance. However, it noted that public feedback highlighted the need for wider engagement before implementing any increase.
Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa directed that the proposal be placed on hold pending consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders.
The ministry assured Nigerians that no new examination registration fee would take effect until the consultation process is completed and a final decision is reached. It reiterated that students’ welfare, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain central to the Federal Government’s education agenda.
The suspension followed widespread reactions from parents, students, education advocates and civil society groups, who expressed concerns that the proposed increase could place additional financial pressure on families already grappling with economic challenges.
