By Ikugbadi Segun
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), pending comprehensive consultations with stakeholders.
The decision was announced in a press release issued on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education, which said the earlier letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, had been withdrawn.
According to the ministry, the suspension is aimed at allowing for a thorough review of the proposal and wider consultations with relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.
The ministry acknowledged the concerns and constructive feedback received from Nigerians regarding the proposed increase, noting that public interest in ensuring access to quality education informed the decision to suspend the review.
It explained that the proposal was initially driven by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations. These include increased expenses on logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance, and other essential services required to maintain the integrity of public examinations.
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 said it would engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners before arriving at any decision.
It stressed that the proposed increase in examination registration fees would not take effect until the consultation process is concluded.
The ministry noted that the engagement would ensure that any future decision is fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing economic realities while safeguarding access to education.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the education sector, the ministry stated 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 Federal Ministry of Education also appreciated the understanding, patience and continued support of stakeholders, assuring Nigerians that the public would be kept fully informed throughout the consultation process.
