Federal Government Suspends Proposed WAEC, NECO Registration Fee Review Pending Stakeholder Consultations
The Federal Government has officially 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), following growing public concerns.
The latest development comes shortly after the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, urged the Federal Government to withdraw the proposed increase, warning that a sharp rise in examination fees could deny thousands of Nigerian students access to education and destroy the dreams of children from low-income families.
In a press statement issued on July 13, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Education announced that the earlier communication proposing an adjustment to the examination registration fees has been withdrawn to allow for broader consultations with key stakeholders before any final decision is reached.
According to the Ministry, the decision reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking, ensuring that any future action considers the interests of students, parents and the wider education sector.
The Ministry acknowledged the concerns and constructive feedback received from Nigerians regarding the proposed fee review and expressed appreciation for the public’s interest in ensuring affordable access to quality education.
Although the Ministry explained that the proposed fee adjustment was influenced by current economic realities and the increasing cost of conducting credible national examinations, it stressed that no new registration fees would be implemented until the consultation process is completed.
Officials noted that the operational costs of organizing public examinations have risen significantly over the years due to increased spending on logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services required to preserve the integrity and credibility of national examinations.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold to enable extensive engagement with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other relevant partners.
The Ministry stated that the consultations will help ensure that any future decision on examination registration fees is fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing economic conditions while safeguarding access to education for Nigerian students.
It further clarified that the proposed fee review will not take effect as previously communicated until the stakeholder consultation exercise has been concluded.
Reassuring Nigerians, the Ministry emphasized that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain central to the Federal Government’s education agenda.
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The Federal Ministry of Education also thanked stakeholders for their patience, understanding and continued support, pledging to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process.
