FG Suspends WASSCE, NECO Fee Increase Plan After Public Backlash

The Federal Government has suspended the planned increase in 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 students, parents and education stakeholders.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 directive communicating the proposed fee adjustment, stating that the decision would allow for a broader review and consultation with key stakeholders.

In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government said it had taken note of the reactions and feedback from Nigerians regarding the proposed increase.

According to the ministry, the initial review of examination fees was influenced by the rising cost of conducting credible and secure national examinations amid current economic realities.

The ministry explained that fees for major secondary school examinations had remained unchanged for several years despite increasing expenses associated with logistics, examination security, printing of materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other processes required to maintain examination standards.

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However, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposed adjustment be suspended to allow for a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process.

The ministry said the move aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that policies affecting millions of students and families undergo proper consultation before implementation.

“As part of the fresh review process, the Ministry will engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners,” the statement read.

The planned consultations will involve major education stakeholders to determine a fee structure that balances the need to sustain quality examinations with the financial realities faced by Nigerian families.

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The ministry further clarified that the proposed fee increase would not be implemented until consultations are concluded and a final decision is reached.

It reassured students, parents and schools that access to education remains a priority of the administration, noting that the welfare of learners and equitable access to quality education are central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.

The government also appreciated the concerns raised by Nigerians, promising to keep the public updated as discussions on the future of examination fees continue.

The suspension comes after days of public debate over the proposed increase, with many stakeholders warning that higher examination costs could place additional financial pressure on families already struggling with rising living expenses.