Amanze Chinonye
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 widespread public opposition to the planned adjustment, Prime Business Africa reports.
The decision was announced on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education, which said it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026, circular conveying the proposed fee review to allow for broader consultations with key stakeholders before a final decision is reached.
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According to the ministry, the suspension underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking on issues that directly affect millions of Nigerian students and their families.
The ministry explained that the proposed fee review was informed by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations.
It noted that registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in the costs of logistics, security, printing examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services required to preserve the integrity and credibility of public examinations.
The proposed increase, however, sparked widespread criticism from parents, students, education stakeholders and civil society groups, who argued that higher examination fees would impose an additional financial burden on households already grappling with the rising cost of living.
Many also urged the government to explore alternative funding options rather than pass the increased costs on to candidates and their families.
Responding to the backlash, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold pending a comprehensive review and extensive consultations with stakeholders across the education sector.
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As part of the review process, the ministry said it would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other critical stakeholders to ensure that any future decision is fair, transparent, financially sustainable and responsive to prevailing economic realities while safeguarding access to quality education.
The ministry stressed that the proposed review of examination registration fees would not take effect, as earlier communicated, until the consultation process is concluded.
The decision is expected to provide temporary relief for millions of candidates and their families preparing for the 2027 WASSCE and NECO examinations, while giving the government an opportunity to build consensus on a sustainable funding framework for the country’s public examination system.
Reaffirming its commitment to equitable access to quality education, the ministry said the welfare of students and responsible policy decisions remain central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector. It also pledged to keep Nigerians informed throughout the consultation process leading to a final decision on the proposed fee review.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
