The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) following widespread criticism from parents, students, education stakeholders, and civil society groups.
The decision was announced on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education, which confirmed that the earlier directive communicating the fee adjustment had been withdrawn pending further consultations. According to the ministry, the suspension was approved by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, to allow for broader engagement with key stakeholders before any final decision is made.
The ministry explained that the proposed fee review was informed by rising operational costs associated with conducting public examinations, including logistics, security, printing, technology, and other administrative expenses. However, it acknowledged the concerns raised by Nigerians over the timing of the increase, especially amid the country’s prevailing economic challenges.
In its statement, the government assured the public that consultations would now be held with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, parents’ associations, labour unions, and other relevant stakeholders before any review of examination fees is implemented. Until the consultation process is concluded, the proposed increase will not take effect.
The proposed hike had attracted sharp criticism from education advocates and political leaders, who argued that higher examination fees would place an additional financial burden on millions of Nigerian families already struggling with the rising cost of living. The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education while balancing the financial sustainability of national examination bodies.
