WAEC NECO fee hike review has been suspended by FG after public concerns, with consultations planned before any final decision on exam costs

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education led by Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, on Monday, July 13, 2026, suspended the planned increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination and National Examinations Council Senior School Certificate Examination following public concerns.

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The decision affects the proposed WAEC NECO fee hike, which would have raised examination registration fees for secondary school candidates from N27,500 to N50,000, representing an 82 per cent increase.

In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry said the letter announcing the proposed adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, had been withdrawn to allow for further review and consultations.

“The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken,” the statement read.

The ministry explained that the initial proposal was influenced by rising costs involved in organising national examinations, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance.

According to the ministry, examination fees had remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing operational expenses required to maintain the credibility and standard of public examinations.

Dr Alausa directed that the proposal be suspended as part of the government’s commitment to transparent and evidence-based decision-making.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking,” the ministry stated.

The ministry added that consultations would involve examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, parents’ associations, labour groups and other education stakeholders before any final decision is reached.

The proposed increase had generated criticism from parents, students’ groups and political figures, with concerns that higher examination costs could create additional financial pressure for families.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Association of Nigerian Students had earlier opposed the planned N50,000 examination fee, calling for measures that would protect students’ access to education.

The government’s latest decision means the proposed adjustment will not take effect as earlier announced until the consultation process is completed.

The Ministry of Education assured Nigerians that students’ welfare, equal access to education and responsible policy decisions remain central to its agenda.

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It added that updates would be provided as discussions with stakeholders progress.