The Federal Government has suspended its 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 and concerns raised by education stakeholders.
Newsonspot reports that the decision was announced on Monday in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo. According to the ministry, the June 18, 2026 circular introducing the proposed fee adjustment has been withdrawn to allow for broader consultations before any final decision is taken.
The ministry explained that the suspension followed feedback from parents, students, school administrators and other stakeholders who expressed concerns over the proposed increase.
It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite rising operational costs, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance measures needed to safeguard the credibility of public examinations.
Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry said it would begin extensive consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour and other critical stakeholders to ensure any future decision on examination fees is fair, sustainable and reflects current economic realities without limiting access to education.
It stressed that the proposed fee increase will not take effect until the consultation process is completed and a final decision is reached.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain key priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Before the suspension, the Federal Government had proposed increasing the combined WAEC and NECO examination registration fee for secondary school candidates from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000 beginning in 2027, representing an 82 percent increase.
