The Federal Government has suspended plans to review registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
In a statement issued on Monday by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the government confirmed that the letter dated June 18, 2026, proposing fee adjustments, has been withdrawn. The suspension will allow for a comprehensive review and wider consultations with relevant stakeholders before any final decision is made.
The Ministry acknowledged the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public, noting the strong interest Nigerians have shown in matters relating to access to quality education. It explained that the proposed fee review was informed by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations. Current registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational costs, including logistics, security, printing, technology deployment, and quality assurance.
Nevertheless, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, 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 emphasized that policies affecting millions of students and their families must be carefully considered, socially responsive, and reflective of the nation’s collective interest. As part of the fresh review process, it will engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organized labour, and other critical stakeholders to ensure that any future decision is fair, sustainable, and transparent, while safeguarding access to education.
Accordingly, the proposed fee adjustment will not take effect until the consultation process is concluded.
The Ministry reassured Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education, and responsible policy decisions remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. It expressed appreciation for the understanding, patience, and continued support of stakeholders, pledging to keep the public fully informed throughout the review process.
