The Federal Government has suspended the proposed 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 Ministry of Education announced the decision on Monday, saying it would carry out wider consultations with stakeholders before making any final decision on the proposed fee review.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government said it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter that communicated the planned fee adjustment.
According to the ministry, the decision followed public reactions and feedback from Nigerians, which prompted a review of the proposal.
The ministry explained that the planned increase was driven by rising operational costs associated with conducting credible public examinations.
It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing expenses for logistics, security, printing examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance.
However, Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa directed that the proposal be suspended to allow for broader consultation in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive and transparent policymaking.
“As part of the fresh review process, the Ministry will engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners,” the statement said.
The ministry added that the consultation would ensure any future decision on examination fees is fair, sustainable and responsive to current economic realities while protecting access to education.
It stressed that the proposed fee increase will not take effect until the consultation process is completed and a final decision is reached.
The ministry also reassured parents, students and other stakeholders that improving access to quality education remains a priority under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.
