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 (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), following widespread public reactions and concerns over the planned adjustment.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the decision on Monday, disclosing that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 circular which communicated the proposed fee review. The ministry said the suspension would remain in place pending extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the education sector.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government acknowledged the concerns and constructive feedback received from Nigerians, stressing that the decision reflects its commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry explained that the proposed fee review was initially necessitated by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations. It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for years despite significant increases in operational expenses, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, deployment of technology, quality assurance and other essential services required to safeguard the integrity of public examinations.
According to the statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed the suspension of the proposal to allow for broader engagement with stakeholders before any final decision is taken.
As part of the review process, the ministry said it would consult extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other relevant partners.
It said the consultations are aimed at ensuring that any future decision on examination fees is fair, transparent, sustainable and responsive to the country’s economic realities, while protecting access to education for all Nigerian students.
The ministry emphasised that the proposed fee increase will not take effect until the consultation process is concluded and a final decision is reached.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving education, the ministry said the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain key priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
It also expressed appreciation to parents, students and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding and continued support, pledging to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process.