FG Puts Proposed WAEC, NECO Fee Increase on Hold

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), pending extensive consultations with key education stakeholders.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced that it has withdrawn the letter dated June 18, 2026, which communicated the proposed fee adjustment, to allow for a comprehensive review before any final decision is reached.

According to the Ministry, the proposed increase was driven by rising operational costs associated with conducting credible public examinations, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services. It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite worsening economic realities.

However, following public concerns and feedback, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf 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.

The Ministry said the decision reflects its determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and in the collective interest of the nation.

As part of the review process, the Ministry said it will engage with examination bodies, State Ministries of Education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners before taking any decision on the proposed fee adjustment.

It stressed that the proposed review of WAEC and NECO registration fees will not take effect until the consultation process is concluded.

The Ministry reaffirmed that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the education sector.