18/07/2026
Proposed Review of WAEC, NECO Registration Fees Suspended; Stakeholder Consultations to Continue
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) to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders.
A press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment has been withdrawn to enable a comprehensive review and wider consultations before a final decision is reached.
The decision followed concerns and constructive feedback from members of the public, particularly on issues related to access to quality education.
The Ministry explained that the proposed fee review was informed by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations.
According to the Ministry, the 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, quality assurance and other essential services required to maintain the integrity and credibility of public examinations nationwide.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government's commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
The suspension of the review underscores its determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and reflective of the collective interest of the nation.
As part of the fresh review process, the Ministry will engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents' associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners to ensure that any future decision is fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing realities while safeguarding access to education.
Additionally, the proposed increase in examination registration fees will not take effect as previously communicated until the consultation process is completed.
It assured Nigerians that the public would be kept fully informed throughout the consultation process.