The Federal Government has suspended a planned increase in registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination.

FG suspends planned increase in WAEC, NECO registration fees The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter communicating the proposed fee adjustment pending a comprehensive review of the policy. The ministry, in a statement by its director, press and public relations, Boriowo Folasade, explained that the decision followed reactions from Nigerians over the planned increase, with the ministry saying it had taken note of the public’s concerns and constructive feedback on the matter.

According to the Ministry, the proposed fee review was initially driven by the country’s economic realities and the escalating cost of organizing credible national examinations. It explained that examination registration fees had remained largely unchanged for several years despite rising operational expenses, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, deployment of technology, quality assurance and other critical services required to preserve the integrity of public examinations.

However, the minister of education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the federal government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking. The Ministry said the decision reflected its determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of students and their families are subjected to broad consultation and carefully weighed before implementation.

The Ministry said the decision to suspend the planned fee increase also reflected the government’s commitment to the education sector. It reassured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to education, saying the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking remained central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.

The Ministry added that the consultations would ensure that any future decision on examination fees is fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing economic realities while protecting access to education.

Parents, students and other stakeholders were thanked for their understanding, patience and continued support. The Ministry pledged to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process.

### Key Facts

  • The Federal Government has suspended a planned increase in registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination.
  • The proposed fee increase was initially driven by the country’s economic realities and the escalating cost of organizing credible national examinations.
  • Examination registration fees had remained largely unchanged for several years despite rising operational expenses.
  • The consultations would ensure that any future decision on examination fees is fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing economic realities while protecting access to education.
  • The government is committed to ensuring that policies affecting millions of students and their families are subjected to broad consultation and carefully weighed before implementation.

The Ministry stressed that the proposed increase would not take effect until the consultation process had been concluded and a final decision reached.