FG puts waec, neco fee hike on hold as parents, schools, stakeholders demand wider consultations

By Oluchi Jacinta Okorie,  Abuja

FG puts waec, neco fee hike on hold as parents, schools, stakeholders demand wider consultations

The Federal Government has suspended the planned 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 widespread concerns from parents, students and education stakeholders.

The Ministry of Education, in a statement issued by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, said the proposed fee adjustment letter dated June 18, 2026, had been withdrawn to allow for broader consultations before any final decision is made.

The suspension comes amid growing concerns over the possible impact of increased examination costs on families already facing economic pressures, with stakeholders warning that higher fees could create additional barriers for students preparing for critical secondary school examinations.

Explaining the reason behind the proposed review, the Federal Government said the adjustment was being considered due to rising operational costs involved in organising credible and internationally recognised examinations.

The Ministry highlighted increasing expenses in areas such as examination logistics, transportation, security arrangements, printing of question papers and answer booklets, technology deployment, monitoring systems and quality assurance processes.

According to the government, maintaining the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s examination system requires adequate funding to prevent malpractice, improve efficiency and meet global standards.

However, the Ministry acknowledged the reactions and feedback received from Nigerians, saying the concerns raised were important and would form part of the review process.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, subsequently directed that the proposed fee review be suspended to allow for inclusive engagement with key stakeholders.

The Ministry said it would consult with examination bodies, State Ministries of Education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour and other relevant groups to find a solution that balances operational realities with the need to protect students’ access to education.

Education experts have often stressed that examination fees must remain affordable, especially as many families continue to struggle with the rising cost of education-related expenses, including tuition, learning materials and transportation.

The government assured Nigerians that any future decision would be guided by fairness, sustainability and the overall interest of students.

It reaffirmed its commitment to improving the education sector and ensuring equitable access to quality learning opportunities in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Ministry added that Nigerians would be kept informed throughout the consultation process and that no final decision would be implemented without adequate engagement with affected stakeholders.