Peter Obi Hails Suspension of WASSCE, NECO Fee Increase, Says "Education Is a Right, Not a Revenue Source"

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination.

Obi described the suspension as a “victory for the Nigerian people”, while commending the government for responding to widespread concerns from parents, students and education stakeholders.

In a statement shared on his official X handle on Monday, Obi said the proposed fee increase should not have been introduced in the first place, considering the economic difficulties facing many Nigerian families.

“I received the welcome news of the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees with relief. This is a victory for the Nigerian people,” Obi stated.

While acknowledging the government’s decision to heed public concerns, the former presidential candidate argued that raising examination costs during an economic downturn would have placed additional pressure on families struggling to provide basic education for their children.

“While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship,” he said.

Obi stressed that government policies should focus on expanding access to education and reducing the number of out-of-school children in the country rather than introducing measures that could make schooling more expensive for families.

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According to him, education remains a fundamental right and should not become a financial burden on citizens.

“At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, access to education should be expanded, not restricted. Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue,” he added.

He warned that imposing additional fees at the basic education level could prevent some children from completing their studies, urging authorities to prioritise investment in education.

“Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education. At that stage, the State has a duty to invest in educating and preparing its citizens for productive lives, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school,” Obi said.

The NDC presidential candidate also described the government’s decision to reverse the proposed increase as a sign of responsible leadership, encouraging authorities to review other policies he considered unfavourable to Nigerians.

He praised parents, civil society groups, education advocates and other stakeholders who voiced their opposition to the proposed fee adjustment, noting that their concerns contributed to the government’s decision.

The Federal Government had earlier announced the suspension of the planned review of WASSCE and NECO SSCE registration fees for 2027.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the June 18, 2026 letter communicating the proposed adjustment had been withdrawn pending further consultations with relevant stakeholders.

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The ministry explained that the proposed review was driven by rising operational costs associated with conducting public examinations. Still, it noted that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the process be suspended to allow for wider discussions before any final decision is made.