The Federal Government has suspended its 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) following widespread public backlash.
The decision comes days after the proposed hike—from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000, representing an 82 per cent increase—triggered strong opposition from parents, education stakeholders and civil society organisations across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Education, through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, announced that the proposal has been suspended to pave the way for broader consultations.
According to the ministry, the letter dated 18 June 2026, which conveyed the proposed fee adjustment, has been officially withdrawn pending a comprehensive review of the policy.
The ministry disclosed that the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that implementation of the proposed increase be halted to allow for extensive engagement with all relevant stakeholders before any final decision is reached.
The proposed adjustment was expected to take effect from the 2027 examination cycle and would have increased the registration fee for both WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations to ₦50,000.
The government’s decision to suspend the policy is expected to ease growing concerns among parents and students who had warned that the sharp increase would worsen the financial burden on Nigerian families amid prevailing economic challenges.
