Nigeria suspends planned hike in exam registration fees after public outcry

Nigeria's Ministry of Education has suspended a planned 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 ministry announced the suspension on Monday, citing the need to address concerns and feedback from various stakeholders and the public. The proposed change would have set a uniform fee of N50,000 per candidate, a move the ministry initially justified by the "prevailing economic realities" and rising operational costs for conducting credible examinations.

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The ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public and appreciates the keen interest shown by Nigerians in matters relating to access to quality education.

However, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has now directed a halt to the fee review pending comprehensive engagement. The ministry plans to consult extensively with examination bodies, state education ministries, school proprietors, parents' associations, organized labor, and other partners. This consultation aims to ensure any future decision is "fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing realities while safeguarding access to education."

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Accordingly, the proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process.