By Ben Adoga and David Lawani, Abuja
The Federal Government on Monday suspended the proposed upward review of 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 public outrage over the planned increase.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the June 18, 2026, letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment had been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with critical stakeholders before any final decision is taken.
The ministry said the move followed concerns and constructive feedback from parents, students, labour unions, education stakeholders and members of the public over reports that registration fees for both examinations could rise to about ₦50,000 each.
According to the ministry, the decision reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.”
The ministry explained that the proposed review was originally informed by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible public examinations nationwide.
It noted that examination registration fees had remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services required to maintain the integrity and credibility of public examinations.
“The proposed review was informed by the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations.”
The ministry further stated that extensive consultations would now be held with examination bodies, State Ministries of Education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders before any fresh decision is reached.
“This decision underscores the Ministry’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and reflect the collective interest of the nation.”
Accordingly, the proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process.
The ministry reassured Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain central to the administration’s education agenda.
“The welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the education sector.”
The proposed increase had sparked criticism from parents, civil society groups, labour organisations and education stakeholders who warned that such a move would place additional financial pressure on millions of families already grappling with inflation and rising living costs.
Reacting to the suspension, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, welcomed the reversal but accused the government of repeatedly introducing controversial policies only to reverse them after public backlash.
Atiku described the development as a victory for ordinary Nigerians and stakeholders who opposed what he termed an additional burden on struggling households.
“Sound governments consult before they decide, not after Nigerians have been subjected to needless anxiety and uncertainty.”
The former vice president argued that increasing examination fees at a time of rising inflation, transport costs, electricity tariffs and declining purchasing power would have worsened educational inequality and pushed more children out of school.
He accused the administration of governing through policy experimentation rather than careful planning and consultation.
“The purpose of leadership is to anticipate the consequences of public policy before it is implemented. A government that repeatedly relies on public resistance to discover its mistakes is admitting that it is disconnected from the daily realities of its citizens.”
According to Atiku, governments should engage stakeholders before announcing policies that affect millions of citizens.
“Consultation is not a sign of weakness; it is the foundation of responsible governance.”
While commending Nigerians whose opposition contributed to the suspension of the proposal, the former vice president urged the Federal Government to explore sustainable funding options for WAEC and NECO without transferring additional costs to parents and guardians.
He warned that repeated policy reversals could undermine public confidence in governance and policy consistency.
“A government that listens only after Nigerians cry out is a government that has stopped listening to the people it was elected to serve.”
The controversy over the proposed increase had generated widespread criticism nationwide, with many stakeholders insisting that access to education should not become another casualty of Nigeria’s economic difficulties.
