The federal government has bowed to pressure and 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 stakeholders.
Key Highlights:
- FG suspended the proposed 2027 WASSCE and NECO fee increase.
- The Education Ministry withdrew its earlier fee review notice.
- The decision followed public concerns and stakeholder feedback.
- Rising examination costs prompted the proposed increase.
- Wider consultations will be held before any final decision.
- Current registration fees remain unchanged.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Monday, that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026, letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment to allow for a comprehensive review and broader engagement before any final decision is reached.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo.
According to the ministry, the suspension follows concerns and constructive feedback from members of the public, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry explained that the proposed fee review was driven by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations.
It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing operational expenses, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other critical services required to preserve the integrity of public examinations.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered and reflect the collective interest of the nation.
As part of the fresh review process, the ministry said it would engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners.
The consultations, it said, are aimed at ensuring that any future decision on examination fees is fair, transparent, sustainable and responsive to current economic realities while safeguarding access to education.
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The ministry clarified that the proposed increase in registration fees would not take effect as earlier communicated until the consultation process is concluded.
Reaffirming its commitment to the education sector, the Federal Ministry of Education said the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ministry also thanked Nigerians for their understanding, patience and continued support, pledging to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process.
