Sowore Promises Free Public Examinations for Nigerian Children
Human rights activist and presidential candidate for the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has pledged that no Nigerian child will ever pay for public examinations if he is elected president in 2027. He asserts that education is a fundamental right that should be entirely funded by the government.
Government Halts Exam Fee Hike Following Public Outcry
Sowore’s commitment follows the recent suspension of an 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). The federal government reversed its decision just a day after announcing the fee hike, facing severe backlash from parents, educators, civil society organizations, and opposition parties.
Calls for Free Education Amid Rising Costs
In response to the government’s quick reversal, Sowore argued that merely suspending the fee hike is insufficient. He emphasized that examinations required for primary and secondary education should be free for all Nigerian children. “In my government, no Nigerian child will pay for any exams,” he stated, highlighting the increasing financial burden on families.
Financial Strain on Nigerian Families
Sowore pointed out that many Nigerian households are grappling with rising food prices, escalating transportation costs, persistent inflation, and declining purchasing power. These factors make it progressively challenging for families to afford exam fees and other education-related expenses.
The Commercialization of Education
He criticized the trend of successive governments shifting educational costs onto struggling families instead of honoring their responsibility to ensure accessible education for all. Sowore contends that education should not be viewed as a commercial venture; rather, consistent investment in the sector is vital for reducing poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
Advocating for Increased Government Investment
Sowore underscored the principle that no child should be deprived of completing basic or secondary education due to financial constraints. He called for enhanced government investment in education to expand access to free and high-quality schooling, strengthen human capital development, and decrease the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
NDC Presidential Candidate Supports Government’s Decision
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), also welcomed the federal government’s decision to halt the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees. He described the policy shift as a “victory for Nigerians,” commending the public for voicing their concerns effectively. Obi stressed that the federal government must prioritize affordable education, asserting that no child should be excluded from the education system due to financial limitations.
Heightened National Debate on Education Funding
The interventions by Sowore and Obi have reignited the national discussion on education funding, with stakeholders calling for increased public investment in the education sector rather than pushing the financial burden onto parents. As political activity ramps up ahead of the 2027 general elections, the topic of affordable and quality education is likely to remain at the forefront of political and public policy discussions in Nigeria.
