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 key stakeholders.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment to allow for a comprehensive review before any final decision is taken.
According to the ministry, the decision follows concerns and constructive feedback from Nigerians over the proposed increase.
“The letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken,” the ministry said.
The ministry explained that the proposed increase was driven by rising costs associated with administering credible national examinations, noting that registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing operational expenses.
“The proposed review was informed by the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations. The current examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational costs, 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 across the country.”
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive and transparent 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 said it would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, parents’ associations, organised labour and other stakeholders to ensure any future decision is fair, sustainable and responsive to prevailing realities.
“This decision underscores the Ministry’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and reflect the collective interest of the nation.”
It added that the proposed fee review would not take effect until the consultation process is concluded.
“Accordingly, the proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process.”
The ministry reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting students’ welfare and ensuring equitable access to quality education.
“The welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the education sector,” the statement added.