The Federal Government has suspended plans to increase registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council Senior School Certificate Examination (NECO SSCE), following widespread public reactions to the proposal.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education, which confirmed that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 circular proposing the fee adjustment.
According to the statement, signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the proposal has been put on hold to allow for extensive consultations and a comprehensive review before any final decision is reached.
The ministry had proposed increasing the registration fee for both WAEC and NECO examinations from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000 from 2027, an 82 per cent increase. It explained that the review was prompted by the rising cost of administering public examinations, noting that fees have remained largely unchanged for years despite growing operational expenses.
It cited increased spending on logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology infrastructure, quality assurance and other essential services as factors placing financial pressure on examination bodies.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the implementation of the proposed increase be suspended pending consultations with key stakeholders.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking,” the statement said.
The ministry stressed that no increase in examination registration fees would take effect until discussions with stakeholders have been concluded.
It added that the consultation process will include examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other relevant groups.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to student welfare and equitable access to quality education, the ministry said it would continue to engage stakeholders and keep Nigerians informed before taking a final decision on the proposed fee review.
