FG Suspends Proposed WAEC, NECO Registration Fee Review Pending Stakeholder Consultations
FG Suspends Proposed WAEC, NECO Registration Fee Review Pending Stakeholder Consultations
The Federal Government has 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 wider consultations with stakeholders.
In a press release dated July 13, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Education announced that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment to allow for a comprehensive review and broader engagement before any final decision is taken.
The Ministry said the suspension followed concerns and constructive feedback from members of the public, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students are inclusive, transparent and evidence-based.
According to the statement, the proposed increase 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 significant increases in operational expenses, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold to enable extensive consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners.
The Ministry stated that the consultation process is intended to ensure that any future decision on examination fees is fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to current economic realities while safeguarding access to education.
It clarified that the proposed review of WAEC and NECO registration fees will not take effect until the consultation process is concluded.
The Federal Ministry of Education also reassured Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain central to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It appealed for the continued understanding and support of stakeholders, promising to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process.
