Nigeria halts planned hike in WAEC, NECO exam fees amid public outcry

Nigeria's Federal Government has halted a proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination and the National Examinations Council Senior School Certificate Examination. The Ministry of Education announced the suspension on Monday, withdrawing a June 18 letter that detailed the planned fee adjustment. This move comes after significant public backlash, with students, parents, and civil society groups criticizing the proposal.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Association of Nigerian Students were among those who rejected the hike, citing concerns about the escalating cost of education. The ministry stated that the suspension, directed by Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, is in line with the government's commitment to transparent and inclusive policymaking. The proposed increase was attributed to the rising costs of conducting credible national examinations, which have remained largely unchanged for years despite increased expenses in logistics, security, printing, technology, and quality assurance.

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The letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.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 ministry acknowledged the public's concerns and feedback, viewing the engagement as a sign of Nigeria's commitment to accessible quality education. The government will now undertake extensive consultations with examination bodies, state education ministries, school administrators, parents' associations, and other stakeholders. This process aims to ensure that any future decisions on examination fees are carefully considered and socially responsive, reflecting the government's determination to balance operational needs with the welfare of students and their families.

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