FG Suspend Planned Increase for WAEC, NECO Registration Fees
The Federal Government don suspend 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).
The Federal Ministry of Education announce say e don withdraw the earlier letter dated June 18, 2026, wey propose the fee adjustment, to allow room for wider consultations with stakeholders before any final decision go take effect.
According to the Ministry, the suspension follows concerns and constructive feedback from Nigerians over the planned increase.
Why Government Bin Plan Increase
The Ministry explain say the proposed fee review was based on the country’s current economic situation and the rising cost of organising credible national examinations.
According to the statement, examination fees have remained almost unchanged for several years despite increases in the cost of logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology, quality assurance and other operational expenses.
Minister Orders Fresh Consultations
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has directed that the proposal be suspended to allow for broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
The Ministry said the decision reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to transparent, inclusive and evidence-based policymaking, especially on issues affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families.
Stakeholders to Participate
As part of the review process, the Ministry said it will engage with:
- WAEC and NECO officials;
- State Ministries of Education;
- School owners and administrators;
- Parents’ associations;
- Organised labour;
- Education stakeholders; and
- Other critical partners.
The Ministry said the goal is to ensure that any future decision on examination fees will be fair, transparent, sustainable and sensitive to the economic realities facing Nigerians.
It also confirmed that the proposed increase will not take effect until the consultation process is completed.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students’ welfare, expanding access to quality education and implementing policies that align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.
