The Federal Government of Nigeria has put a temporary stop to its plans to increase registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
This decision was made to allow for broader discussions with key stakeholders across the country.
According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Education, the government has officially withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter that previously detailed the proposed fee adjustments.
The ministry decided to step back and conduct a comprehensive review after receiving intense feedback and concerns from citizens who expressed worry over the financial burden of the increase.
The ministry clarified that the decision to propose a fee review was driven by the escalating operational costs of administering credible national exams.
It pointed out that registration fees had remained stagnant for several years, even as the expenses required to run these exams soared.
The primary cost drivers identified by the ministry include:
Logistical operations across the country
Security arrangements for exam centers and personnel
Printing of secure examination materials
Technological deployments to modernize testing and curb malpractice
Quality assurance and other essential field services
Responding to the public’s concerns, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed the immediate suspension of the fee proposal.
The ministry emphasized that this move aligns with the Federal Government’s dedication to maintaining inclusive, transparent, and evidence-based policymaking.
The suspension aims to ensure that major policy changes affecting millions of students and their families are given careful thought and mirror the collective interests of the Nigerian people.
The ministry assured the public that no fee adjustment will be implemented until a thorough consultation process is completed.
This upcoming dialogue will actively involve:
National examination bodies (WAEC and NECO)
State ministries of education
School proprietors and administrators
Parent-teacher associations
Organized labor unions
Various education stakeholders and partners
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed that equitable access to quality education, student welfare, and responsible governance remain central pillars of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
It concluded by thanking the public for their patience and promising to share updates as the consultations progress.
