Bukola Afeni
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 stakeholders.
In a press release signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, the ministry said the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, had been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review before a final decision is taken.
The ministry said the decision followed concerns and constructive feedback from the public, adding that it appreciates Nigerians’ interest in ensuring access to quality education.
It explained that the proposed fee review was informed by rising operational costs associated with conducting national examinations, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance.
It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing costs.
According to the statement, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, 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 proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders to ensure that any future decision is “fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing realities while safeguarding access to education.”
It added that the proposed review of examination registration fees “will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process.”
The ministry reassured Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda, while pledging to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process.
