By Felix Khanoba
The Federal Government has suspended its proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), opting instead for broader consultations with stakeholders before taking a final decision.
A statement signed by Director, Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, on Monday, said the earlier letter dated June 18, 2026, which conveyed the proposed adjustment in examination registration fees, has been withdrawn.
The ministry said the decision was taken to pave the way for a comprehensive review of the proposal and wider engagement with key stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the ministry, the suspension followed concerns and constructive feedback from members of the public over the planned increase.
“The Federal Government has suspended the proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE),” the statement said.
The ministry acknowledged the reactions generated by the proposal, saying it appreciated the interest shown by Nigerians in issues affecting access to quality education.
It explained that the proposed fee review was driven by rising operational costs associated with conducting credible public examinations, noting that examination registration charges had remained largely unchanged for several years despite mounting expenses.
According to the statement, increasing costs of logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services necessitated the proposed adjustment.
It added that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
The statement said: “Nevertheless, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has 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 noted that the decision reflected its determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of students and their families are carefully considered and responsive to public concerns.
As part of the review process, it said consultations would be held with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders before any final decision is reached.
It stressed that the proposed review of examination registration fees would not take effect until the consultation process is completed.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the education sector, the ministry said: “The Federal Ministry of Education reassures Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the education sector.”
