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 (SSCE), following public concerns over the planned adjustment.
The decision was announced in a statement on Monday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, who said the ministry had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 circular on the proposed fee review to allow for wider consultations with stakeholders before taking a final decision.
Boriowo explained that the proposed increase was driven by rising costs associated with conducting credible national examinations, including expenses on logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services.
She said 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 after receiving constructive feedback from the public.
According to the ministry, fresh consultations will be held with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders before any decision is reached.
“The proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process,” Boriowo said, adding that the government remains committed to students’ welfare, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions.
She also thanked Nigerians for their understanding and patience, assuring that the public would be kept informed throughout the consultation process.
