By Abigail David

The Federal Government has suspended the 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, pending further consultations with stakeholders.

In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, the ministry said it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026, letter announcing the proposed fee adjustment to allow for a comprehensive review.

The statement, signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the decision followed concerns raised by members of the public.

According to the ministry, the proposed fee review was prompted by rising costs associated with conducting national examinations, including logistics, security, printing, technology, and quality assurance.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and evidence-based policymaking.

The ministry said consultations would be held with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour, and other education stakeholders before any decision is made.

The suspended proposal would have increased the registration fee for WAEC and NECO examinations from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000 for candidates beginning in 2027. The planned increase had attracted criticism from groups including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)