The FG suspends WAEC NECO fee hike proposal for the 2027 examination cycle after widespread public reactions. The Federal Government announced that it had withdrawn its earlier notice approving higher registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council Senior School Certificate Examination (NECO SSCE). Officials said they would first consult key stakeholders before making any final decision.
The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed the development in a statement released on Monday. The statement explained that the earlier communication dated June 18, 2026, had been withdrawn to allow broader discussions on the proposed adjustment.
FG Responds to Public Concerns
According to the ministry, the decision followed concerns raised by Nigerians after the proposed increase became public.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, confirmed that the government would review the proposal through an extensive consultation process.
It stated that the withdrawal reflects the government’s commitment to transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry explained that no new examination fee would take effect until discussions with relevant stakeholders are completed.
Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa directed officials to suspend the proposal immediately. He stressed that every policy affecting students and their families should receive careful public consideration before implementation.
Why the Government Proposed Higher Examination Fees
Although the government suspended the proposal, the ministry explained why officials initially considered increasing examination registration fees.
According to the statement, WAEC and NECO registration charges have remained largely unchanged for several years. Meanwhile, the cost of organising nationwide examinations has continued to rise.
The ministry listed several factors driving the proposed review. These include transportation and logistics expenses, security arrangements, printing examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance measures, and other operational costs needed to maintain credible public examinations.
Officials maintained that these increasing expenses prompted the request for a revised registration fee.
However, they acknowledged the need to balance operational realities with the financial burden on Nigerian families.
Stakeholders to Participate in Fresh Consultations
The ministry announced that it would engage a wide range of stakeholders before reaching any final decision.
Participants will include examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, school administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education experts, and other interested groups.
Through these consultations, the government hopes to develop a policy that reflects public interest while supporting the continued delivery of quality national examinations.
The ministry also assured Nigerians that students’ welfare and equal access to education remain central to government policy.
Officials promised to keep members of the public informed throughout the consultation process.
Background to the Suspended Fee Increase
Before suspending the proposal, the Federal Government had approved a new registration fee of N50,000 for both WAEC and NECO examinations beginning in 2027.
The previous registration fee stood at N27,500. The proposed increase represented an 82 percent rise.
The approval followed a request from the West African Examinations Council seeking an upward review of examination charges.
The Ministry of Education communicated the approval in a letter dated June 18, 2026. Adeniji Ibrahim, Director of Senior Secondary Education, signed the letter.
The proposal quickly generated criticism across the country.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar opposed the increase. The National Association of Nigerian Students also rejected the planned fee, arguing that it would place additional financial pressure on families.
Their objections added to widespread public concern and contributed to calls for the government to reconsider the decision.
The FG suspends WAEC NECO fee hike while it reviews the proposal through wider consultations. For now, candidates preparing for the 2027 examinations will not pay the previously announced N50,000 registration fee.
The Federal Ministry of Education says it remains committed to responsible policymaking that protects students’ interests while ensuring the long-term sustainability of national examinations. A final decision will come only after discussions with all major stakeholders conclude.
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