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), following widespread concerns over the likely impact on students and families.
The decision came days after reports of a leaked proposed increase sparked public debate over affordability and the implications for President Bola Tinubu’s education reform agenda, which has prioritised expanding access to learning through initiatives such as free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Announcing the suspension in a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade on Monday,
the Federal Ministry of Education said the letter conveying the proposed adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, had been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader stakeholder consultations before any final decision is taken.
It partly reads: “The proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process.”
According to the ministry, the proposal was initially informed by prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations across the country.
It noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing operational expenses associated with logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other services required to maintain the integrity of public examinations.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public and appreciates the keen interest shown by Nigerians in matters relating to access to quality education.”
The ministry added that the decision reflects government’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of students and their families are “carefully considered, socially responsive and reflect the collective interest of the nation.”
The development is expected to come as a relief to parents and education stakeholders who had expressed fears that higher examination fees could create additional barriers for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
The proposed fee review had also triggered discussions about the affordability of education amid ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to widen access through reforms and targeted interventions.
Since assuming office, the administration has rolled out a number of initiatives aimed at reducing educational barriers, including the student loan scheme under NELFUND, increased investment in technical education and the introduction of free TVET programmes in federal technical colleges.
Education stakeholders had argued that while examination bodies may face rising operational costs, any increase in examination fees should be carefully balanced against government’s objective of ensuring broader access to education.
As part of the new review process, the ministry said it would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour and other stakeholders to ensure that any future decision is fair, sustainable and transparent.
“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.
“The Ministry appreciates the understanding, patience and continued support of all stakeholders and remains committed to keeping the public fully informed throughout the consultation process,” the statement added.
