FG Suspends WAEC and NECO Fee Increase for 2027

The Federal Government has suspended the proposed WAEC and NECO fee increase for the 2027 examination cycle following widespread criticism from parents, teachers, education stakeholders, and the general public

The proposed registration fee of ₦50,000 per candidate for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) sparked concerns that many Nigerian families would struggle to afford the cost

In response to the growing backlash, the Federal Ministry of Education announced that the proposal has been placed on hold while it carries out broader consultations with relevant stakeholders before making a final decision

Federal Government Halts WAEC and NECO Fee Increase

The Federal Ministry of Education confirmed on Monday, July 13, that it has suspended the planned increase in registration fees for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations

According to a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, the earlier proposal has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and wider consultations

The ministry explained that no new examination fee will take effect until discussions with key stakeholders are completed

Why the Proposed Fee Increase Was Introduced

The Ministry stated that the proposed adjustment was driven by rising operational costs involved in organizing credible national examinations across Nigeria

Rising Examination Costs

According to the ministry, examination registration fees have remained unchanged for several years despite increasing expenses in areas such as:

• Printing examination materials
• Logistics and transportation
• Security operations
• Technology deployment
• Quality assurance
• Administration of nationwide examinations

Officials noted that these increasing costs made a review necessary to maintain the integrity and credibility of public examinations

Parents and Education Stakeholders Opposed the Proposal

The proposed ₦50,000 registration fee received strong opposition from several groups, including:

• National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN)
• Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)
• Parents
• Education advocates
• Concerned Nigerians

Many argued that the increase would place additional financial pressure on families already struggling with the country’s economic challenges

Some stakeholders also warned that higher examination fees could worsen Nigeria’s out of school children crisis by preventing many students from registering for their final secondary school examinations

Education Minister Orders Immediate Suspension

Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Alausa directed that the proposed fee review be suspended immediately

According to the ministry, the decision reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and evidence based policymaking

The government said any policy affecting millions of Nigerian students must be carefully reviewed to ensure it serves the public interest

Fresh Consultations to Begin

The Ministry of Education announced that it will now begin extensive consultations with various stakeholders before arriving at any final decision

The consultations will involve:

• WAEC and NECO officials
• State Ministries of Education
• School proprietors
• School administrators
• Parents’ associations
• Labour unions
• Education experts

Other relevant stakeholders

The goal is to ensure that any future adjustment to examination fees is fair, transparent, sustainable, and considerate of Nigeria’s current economic realities

What This Means for Students

For now, students preparing for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations will not be required to pay the proposed ₦50,000 registration fee

The Ministry emphasized that the earlier proposal remains suspended until consultations are completed and a final decision is announced

It also reassured Nigerians that protecting students’ welfare and ensuring equal access to quality education remain priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Conclusion

The Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed WAEC and NECO fee increase has brought relief to many parents and students across Nigeria

While authorities acknowledge the rising cost of conducting national examinations, they have pledged to engage stakeholders before implementing any changes Until then, the proposed fee hike remains on hold, with further updates expected after the consultation process