Malami’s billions for WAEC fees, by Suleiman A. Suleiman

Nigeria's federal government has faced significant backlash for its announcement, and subsequent reversal, of an 82% increase in registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO). The proposed hike would have raised fees from N27,500 to N50,000 per candidate, effective from 2027.

This policy shift, which affected nearly two million secondary school students, was met with widespread criticism for its insensitivity to the financial struggles of millions of Nigerian parents. The government's decision-making process has been questioned, with concerns raised about whether adequate assessments of the policy's impact on poor households were conducted, or if stakeholders were consulted before the announcement.

The fee increase announcement came shortly after news of a court-ordered forfeiture of properties valued at N212 billion, allegedly linked to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami. This juxtaposition of events has led to commentary on the moral failings and insensitivity within the country's governance.

Critics point to a pattern of policy announcements by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration that appear to lack thorough consideration of political and economic sensitivities. Examples cited include the removal of fuel subsidies, clemency for Maryam Sanda, sanctions on Niger Republic, and the student loan program, suggesting a recurring tendency to proceed with major decisions without sufficient public consultation or impact analysis.