Government Cancels Proposed Fee Increase for WASSCE and NECO Exams
The Federal Government has decided to cancel plans to raise registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). This decision follows significant public backlash against the proposed increase.
Public Backlash Fuels Government’s Reversal
Just 24 hours after news of the fee hike surfaced, it was met with fierce opposition from parents, students, trade unions, civil society organizations, and political opposition groups. Critics pointed out that such an increase would exacerbate financial challenges for countless Nigerian families already grappling with escalating living costs.
Ministry of Education Issues Suspension Notice
On Monday, the Federal Ministry of Education announced the withdrawal of the circular dated June 18, 2026, which detailed the proposed fee adjustments. In a statement from the Ministry, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, instructed that any fee increase be paused to facilitate broader consultation with stakeholders.
Rationale Behind the Fee Review
According to the Ministry, the need for fee adjustments stems from increased operational costs related to public examinations. This includes rising expenses for logistics, security, printing exam materials, technology implementation, quality assurance, and other essential operational elements.
Economic Concerns Amplified by Public Sentiment
Despite the Ministry’s rationale, the proposal faced widespread criticism. Many Nigerians labeled the potential increase as tone-deaf in light of the country’s ongoing economic hardships. Among the notable critics was former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who urged the government to reconsider its stance.
Voices from the Community Highlight the Risks
Numerous individuals expressed their concerns on radio call-in programs, warning that the fee increase could drive thousands of children from low-income families out of the examination process, jeopardizing their access to secondary education. Wole Segun, a concerned caller, pointed out that families earning minimum wage would struggle to afford the registration fees for even a single child, let alone multiple candidates.
Calls for a More Sustainable Approach
Many advocates have called for not only the abandonment of the proposed fee increase but also a reassessment of the current charges to alleviate the financial strain on parents. While the suspension of the fee hike has been welcomed by many, there is a strong sentiment that the proposal should be permanently scrapped rather than merely postponed.
Future Steps for the Education Department
The Department of Education plans to engage with various stakeholders, including testing agencies, state education departments, school administrators, and parent associations, before making a final decision regarding exam fees. Mr. Boriowo emphasized that any review of the WASSCE and NECO registration fees will be contingent upon the outcome of these consultations, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring accessible quality education while maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s public examination system.
