JUST-IN: Tinubu Govt Suspends Proposed N50,000 WAEC, NECO Examination Fee Following Public Outcry

The federal government has suspended the proposed 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).

The ministry of education said the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, has been withdrawn to allow for wider consultations with stakeholders before a final decision is taken.

The federal government had approved a uniform registration fee of N50,000 for WAEC and NECO senior secondary school examinations from 2027.

The proposed increase, which would have raised the examination fee from N27,500, attracted widespread criticism from parents, education stakeholders and opposition figures, who argued that it would further restrict access to education for children from low-income families.

‘PROPOSAL INFORMED BY RISING COSTS’

In a statement issued on Monday, Folasade Boriowo, director of press and public relations at the ministry of education, said the proposed fee review was informed by the rising cost of conducting public examinations.

The ministry said examination fees had remained largely unchanged for years despite increasing operational costs.

It listed logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance among the factors driving the proposed review.

The ministry said Tunji Alausa, minister of education, directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the federal government’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.

It said the decision was aimed at ensuring that policies affecting millions of students and their families are carefully considered.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, 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 statement reads.

“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.”

The ministry said it would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders before taking a final decision.

“Accordingly, the proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process,” the ministry stated.

“The Federal Ministry of Education reassures Nigerians that 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, GCFR, for the education sector.

“The Ministry appreciates the understanding, patience and continued support of all stakeholders and remains committed to keeping the public fully informed throughout the consultation process.”