The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, and the National Examinations Council, NECO, Senior School Certificate Examination, following widespread criticism.
The suspension was announced on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
The ministry said the June 18, 2026 letter communicating the proposed fee adjustment had been withdrawn to allow for further review and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public and appreciates the keen interest shown by Nigerians in matters relating to access to quality education,” the statement said.
The Federal Government explained that the proposed increase was driven by rising costs associated with conducting national examinations, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other operational expenses.
It, however, said the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, had directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the government’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry said it would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders before reaching a final decision.
“Accordingly, the proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process,” the statement added.
The government also assured Nigerians that students’ welfare, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remained priorities of the Tinubu administration’s education agenda.
The proposed fee adjustment had attracted criticism from several quarters after the Federal Government announced that WAEC and NECO registration fees would rise to N50,000 from 2027, representing an increase from the previous N27,500 fee.
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had earlier criticised the increase, describing it as insensitive and a move that could further burden Nigerian families.
