Economic Hardship Compels FG To Cancel Proposed Review Of WAEC, NECO Registration Fees
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The Federal Government on Monday said it would no longer go ahead with proposed plans to review the registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, disclosed in a statement she issued to reporters in Abuja.
She explained that the suspension of the policy followed the withdrawal of its June 18, 2026, letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment to enable the ministry to have a comprehensive review and wider consultations with relevant stakeholders.
Boriowo also noted that the government shelved the plans because of the prevailing economic situation, including the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations.
According to the Ministry, the increasing costs of logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services initially necessitated the review plans.
She insisted that the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the federal government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
She also disclosed that the ministry would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders as part of the fresh review process.
The statement reads in part, “The Federal Government has 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).
“The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.
“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 proposed review was informed by the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations. The current examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational costs, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services required to maintain the integrity and credibility of public examinations across the country.
“Nevertheless, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
“This decision underscores the Ministry’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and reflect the collective interest of the nation”.
