The Federal Government has suspended the proposed WAEC and NECO fee hike for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination, pending further consultations with education stakeholders.
The decision was announced in a statement released on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the ministry, the letter dated June 18, 2026, which communicated the planned adjustment in examination registration fees, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review of the proposal.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, explained that the move followed concerns and feedback received from members of the public over the proposed increase.
“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Ministry of Education announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken,” the statement read.
Government Puts Fee Proposal on Hold
The ministry said the proposed increase was prompted by the rising cost of organising national examinations across the country.
It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for years despite increasing operational expenses.
According to the ministry, costs related to logistics, security, printing examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance, and other essential services have continued to rise.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal should be suspended in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive 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 added that the government remains committed to ensuring that policies affecting students and their families are carefully considered before implementation.
Stakeholders to Be Consulted Before Final Decision
The ministry disclosed that discussions will be held with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, school administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders, and other critical partners before any decision is reached.
It stressed that the proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect until the consultation process has been completed.
The Federal Ministry of Education also reaffirmed that students’ welfare, equal access to quality education, and responsible policymaking remain key priorities of the Federal Government. It assured Nigerians that the public would be kept informed throughout the consultation process.
Before the suspension, the Federal Government had approved a new examination registration fee of ₦50,000 for WAEC and NECO candidates beginning from 2027, representing an 82 per cent increase from the current ₦27,500.
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The initial approval was contained in a June 18, 2026, statement signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education, Adeniji Ibrahim.
According to the ministry, the decision followed a request by the West African Examinations Council for an upward review of examination fees due to increasing operational costs.
With the latest development, the proposed WAEC and NECO fee hike has been placed on hold until the Federal Government concludes consultations and determines the next course of action.
