Facing backlash over its initial hike in the 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 has suspended the proposal, pending wider consultations with stakeholders.
In a statement on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) announced the decision, saying it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment in order to allow for a comprehensive review of the proposal.
Acknowledging that the withdrawal decision followed concerns and feedback from members of the public over the planned increase, the Ministry explained that the proposed review was necessitated by rising operational costs associated with conducting credible national examinations, noting that registration fees had remained largely unchanged for several years despite increases in expenses.
The Ministry listed logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services as some of the major cost drivers behind the proposed adjustment.
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 said the suspension reflects its determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of students and their families are carefully considered and aligned with the collective interest of the country.
It added that the fresh review process would involve extensive consultations with examination bodies, State Ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other relevant partners before any decision is taken.
The Ministry stressed that the proposed increase in examination registration fees would not take effect until the consultation process is concluded.
It also reassured Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remain central to the education agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The Ministry thanked Nigerians for their understanding and support and pledged to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process.
