JUST IN: FG Suspends Proposed 2027 WASSCE, NECO Registration Fee Hike

The federal government has suspended the proposed review of 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 concerns over the planned increase.

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

According to the ministry, the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with stakeholders before any final decision is made.

The ministry said the suspension followed constructive feedback from members of the public, stressing that the government remains committed to ensuring access to quality education through inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.

It explained that the proposed fee review was prompted by prevailing economic realities and the increasing cost of administering credible national examinations.

According to the statement, examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite rising operational expenses, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance.

The ministry further disclosed that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold.

“The decision underscores the ministry’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and reflect the collective interest of the nation,” the statement said.

The ministry said it would now undertake extensive consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners before reaching any decision on the proposed fee adjustment.

It emphasised that the earlier proposed review of examination registration fees would not take effect until the consultation process is concluded.