FG Suspends Planned Increase in WAEC, NECO Registration Fees
Abuja, July 13, 2026 – The Federal Government has suspended the proposed review of registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), pending extensive consultations with key stakeholders.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the decision in a press statement issued on Monday, stating that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a broader review process before any final decision is made.
According to the Ministry, the proposed fee increase was driven by prevailing economic realities and the rising costs associated with conducting credible national examinations. It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational expenses, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, and quality assurance measures.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, 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 acknowledged public concerns and feedback regarding the planned increase, stressing that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families must be carefully considered and aligned with the broader public interest.
As part of the review process, the Ministry said it would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, and other critical stakeholders to ensure that any future decision is fair, sustainable, and responsive to current economic realities.
It further clarified that the proposed adjustment in examination registration fees will not take effect as earlier communicated until the consultation process is concluded.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to education, the Ministry assured Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education, and responsible policy decisions remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Ministry also appealed for continued understanding and support from stakeholders, pledging to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process.
The statement was signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade.