NAPTAN Applauds Suspension of SSCE Fee Increment, Asked for Permanent Cancellation

The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has commended the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in the registration fees for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), describing the move as a positive response to the concerns of parents and education stakeholders.

This commendation was given during an interview on Monday in Lagos by the Chairman of the NAPTAN Board of Trustees, Mr Adeolu Ogunbanjo.

The proposed adjustment would have increased the SSCE registration fee to ₦50,000 per candidate, up from the existing fees of about ₦27,000 for examinations organised by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and ₦30,000 for those conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

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However, following widespread criticism from parents, students, and education stakeholders, the Federal Government announced the suspension of the proposed increase pending further review.

Ogunbanjo said the suspension showed that the government was willing to listen to the concerns of Nigerians, especially families already facing economic pressures.

He, however, stressed that stakeholders were not calling for a delay in implementation but a complete withdrawal of the proposal.

“We appreciate the government’s responsiveness, but our collective demand remains clear: the proposed examination fee increment should be cancelled completely and not postponed for implementation in the future.

“Our cry was never merely against timing; it was against the burden itself, whether introduced in 2027, 2030, or any other future period, we don’t want such an increment.

“We respectfully request the government to abandon the idea entirely and, instead, pursue policies that promote affordable, accessible and free quality education for every Nigerian child,” he said.

The NAPTAN chairman had earlier criticised the planned increase, describing it as excessive and a potential barrier to education access for many Nigerian students.

According to him, while examination bodies may experience increased operational costs, almost doubling the registration fee at a time of rising inflation, fuel costs, and household expenses would place additional pressure on already struggling families.

Ogunbanjo warned that the increase could also affect government sponsorship programmes, as some state governments currently pay examination fees for students.

“Some states currently sponsor candidates. Any increase may force them to reduce or withdraw such support, creating additional burdens for parents who depend on government assistance,” he said.

He further expressed concerns that unaffordable examination fees could undermine efforts to achieve universal secondary education and increase the number of students unable to complete their academic journey.

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Meanwhile, Mrs Gloria Chukwuma-Okoh, Proprietress of Gap Fillers Academy, Agboju, in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, said increasing the SSCE registration fee could worsen school dropout rates and deepen economic hardship among families.

She called on governments at all levels to prioritise investment in education through better infrastructure, qualified teachers, and support for examination costs.

“Governments should prioritise free quality education, modern infrastructure, competent teachers and sponsorship of WAEC and NECO examinations to guarantee equal opportunities for every Nigerian child,” she said.

A parent, Mr Adesegun Akinsanya, also urged authorities to reconsider policies that could make education more expensive for families.

He said parents were already struggling with rising living costs and needed more support rather than additional financial burdens.

“At this critical period, the government should prioritise easing parents’ burdens.

“Education remains a right that requires greater support and accessibility.”

Akinsanya appealed to the government to consider expanding free education initiatives nationwide, noting that increased investment in education would help reduce inequality and contribute to national development.