The Federal Government has officially 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 decision, announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, comes as a direct response to widespread public concern regarding the potential impact on families already grappling with economic hardship. The Ministry of Education has formally withdrawn its June 18, 2026, letter that had initially conveyed the proposed fee adjustment.
A Commitment to Inclusive Policy
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry emphasized that the suspension aligns with the government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and evidence-based policymaking.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully weighed before implementation. The ministry noted that the government remains determined to ensure that any future decisions are socially responsive and reflect the nation’s collective interest.
The Road Ahead: Broad Consultations
While the government previously justified the proposed adjustment—which reportedly aimed to raise fees from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000—by citing rising costs in logistics, security, technology deployment, and printing of examination materials, those plans are now paused.
Moving forward, the Ministry has committed to a comprehensive engagement process. It plans to hold extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including:
- Examination bodies and State Ministries of Education
- School proprietors and administrators
- Parents’ associations and organised labour
- Education advocates and other critical partners
These consultations aim to find a balance between sustaining the integrity of national examinations and maintaining equitable access to quality education, particularly for students from low-income households. The government has assured the public that the proposed fee review will not take effect until this consultation process is concluded.
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