The Federal Government has suspended its proposed 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), following widespread public reactions. Read original
The decision was announced on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, the ministry's Director of Press and Public Relations.
According to the ministry, the earlier letter dated June 18, 2026, which proposed a review of examination registration fees, has been withdrawn to allow for wider consultations with stakeholders before any final decision is made.
The ministry explained that the proposed fee adjustment was driven by the rising cost of conducting national examinations. It noted that registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing expenses for logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology, quality assurance, and other essential services required to ensure credible examinations.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold in line with the Federal Government's commitment to transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry said the suspension reflects the government's determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of students and their families are carefully reviewed before implementation.
As part of the review process, the Federal Ministry of Education said it will hold extensive consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, administrators, parents' associations, organised labour, and other education stakeholders to reach a fair and sustainable decision.
The statement added that the proposed increase in WASSCE and NECO registration fees will not take effect until the consultation process has been completed.