BREAKING: Federal Government Suspends Planned N50,000 WAEC, NECO Registration Fee Hike After Public Outcry

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The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) organised by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The decision, announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, comes after widespread criticism from parents, students, education stakeholders, labour groups, and civil society organisations, who described the planned increase as insensitive amid the country’s current economic realities.

In an official statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the ministry confirmed that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026, approval conveying the proposed fee adjustment for the two national examinations.

According to the ministry, the proposed fee increase has been suspended pending extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the education sector.

The statement explained that the consultations would involve WAEC, NECO, state ministries of education, school proprietors, school administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, and other education partners before any final decision is taken.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, directed that implementation of the proposed fee review be put on hold, stressing that government policies must remain inclusive, transparent, and evidence-based. The ministry also confirmed that the proposed fees would not take effect as earlier communicated.

The controversy began in June when the Ministry of Education approved a proposal introducing a uniform registration fee of N50,000 per candidate for both WAEC and NECO examinations beginning in 2027.

The proposal represented a sharp increase from the previous registration fees, which ranged between N27,000 and N30,000, amounting to an increase of more than 80 percent in some cases.

WAEC had reportedly requested the upward review, citing rising operational costs caused by inflation, increased logistics expenses, enhanced security requirements, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance, and other administrative costs needed to maintain the credibility of public examinations.

The proposed increase immediately triggered nationwide outrage.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the proposal, describing it as insensitive at a time when millions of Nigerian children remain out of school and many families are struggling with the rising cost of living.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), education advocates, parents, and other stakeholders also opposed the planned increase, warning that it could prevent thousands of students—particularly those from low-income households—from registering for the examinations.

Many education stakeholders argued that the proposed fee hike contradicted the Federal Government’s efforts to expand access to education and reduce poverty.

In its latest statement, the Ministry of Education acknowledged the concerns expressed by Nigerians and thanked members of the public for actively participating in discussions affecting the nation’s education system.

The ministry reiterated that student welfare, equitable access to quality education, and responsive policymaking remain central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

It added that no new examination fee structure has been approved and that any future review would only be considered after broad consultations with all relevant stakeholders.

The suspension has been welcomed as a major relief for millions of parents, students, and school owners preparing for the 2027 examination cycle.

The Federal Government also assured Nigerians that the public would be kept informed as consultations progress and any future decisions are reached.