FG suspends proposed N50,000 WAEC, NECO registration fee

The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in 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 concern over the planned adjustment.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, announcing the withdrawal of the ministry’s June 18, 2026 circular that conveyed the proposed fee increase.

According to the ministry, the decision was taken to allow for a comprehensive review of the proposal and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before any final decision is reached.

“The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken,” the statement read.

The proposed adjustment sought to increase the registration fee for both WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000 beginning in 2027, representing an increase of about 82 per cent.

The ministry explained that the proposal was prompted by the rising cost of administering public examinations across the country, noting that examination fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational expenses.

It identified logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services as major factors contributing to the rising cost of conducting examinations.

The statement further disclosed that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that implementation of the proposed fee review be suspended in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

“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 ministry stated.

It emphasised that no adjustment to examination registration fees would take effect until extensive consultations are concluded with key stakeholders, including examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, school administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other relevant partners.

The ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting students’ welfare, ensuring equitable access to quality education and promoting responsible policymaking.

It also assured Nigerians that the public would be kept informed throughout the consultation process before any final decision is taken on the proposed examination fee review.