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 calls for broader consultation.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the decision on Monday, stating that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 circular that communicated the proposed fee adjustment.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the government said the suspension was prompted by concerns and constructive feedback received from Nigerians regarding the planned increase.
According to the ministry, the proposed adjustment was initially considered necessary due to rising operational costs associated with conducting credible national examinations. These include expenses related to logistics, security, printing of examination materials, deployment of technology, quality assurance and other essential services.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry explained that a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process would now be undertaken before any decision is reached on future examination fees.
As part of the review, the ministry will consult with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other relevant partners.
According to the ministry, the consultations are intended to ensure that any future review of examination fees is fair, sustainable, transparent and reflective of prevailing economic realities without undermining access to education.
It stressed that the proposed fee increase will not take effect until the consultation process has been completed and a final decision is reached.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising students’ welfare, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy formulation in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.
The ministry also thanked parents, students and other stakeholders for their understanding, patience and continued support, assuring Nigerians that updates would be provided throughout the consultation process.