BREAKING: FG Halts Planned Hike In WAEC, NECO Fees, Bringing Relief To Millions Of Students

The Federal Government has put on hold 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.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The decision was disclosed on Monday in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.

According to the ministry, the suspension followed widespread concerns and feedback from Nigerians over the planned adjustment. It confirmed that the June 18, 2026 letter announcing the proposed increase has been withdrawn to allow for a thorough review and broader consultations before any final decision is made.

The ministry explained that the proposed fee review was prompted by the rising cost of conducting national examinations. It noted that registration fees have remained largely unchanged for years despite increasing expenses associated with logistics, security, printing examination materials, technology, quality assurance, and other essential services required to maintain the integrity of the examinations.

The statement further revealed that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based policymaking.

As part of the review process, the ministry said consultations will be held with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders, and other key partners.

It stressed that the proposed increase in examination registration fees will not take effect until the consultation process has been completed and a final decision is reached.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed that students’ welfare, equal access to quality education, and responsible policy decisions remain top priorities of the Federal Government. It also assured the public that updates would be provided as discussions progress.

Before the proposed increase was suspended, the registration fee for both WAEC and NECO examinations for secondary school candidates stood at ₦27,500.