SSCE fee hike too high, says NAPTAN; NUT leaves decision to parents

Nigeria's National Parent Teacher Association (NAPTAN) has voiced strong opposition to proposed increases in examination fees by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). NAPTAN's Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, described the hike as "too steep" and "excessive," stating it is "well above 75 percent." He argued that such a significant increase places an undue financial burden on parents, who already cover numerous educational and welfare expenses for their children. Ogunbanjo warned that the higher fees could prevent some final-year students from registering for their Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE). "What will be the benefit if a student reaches SS3 but cannot register for the final examination because of the high fee?" he questioned, urging authorities to reconsider the decision and lower the proposed amount. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), however, adopted a more detached stance. NUT President Audu Titus Amba stated that the issue of examination registration fees is primarily a decision for parents to accept or reject. He clarified that the NUT's focus remains on the welfare and professional interests of teachers, not on setting examination fees. Amba also mentioned that the union would hold a press conference to address broader issues affecting teachers and the education sector.

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The increase is too high for our liking and acceptance. If the examination bodies are seeking an increase because of the rising cost of living, I think it should be gradual, perhaps not more than 25 percent. What they are proposing is well above 75 percent, and that is too much.