The Federal Government has suspended its planned 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 public objection.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the decision on Monday, saying it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026, letter proposing the new fees.
The ministry said the suspension will allow for a fresh review of the proposal and consultations before any decision is taken.
According to a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations, Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa directed that the proposal be placed on hold after issues pointed out by parents, students and other stakeholders.
The ministry explained that although it had proposed a review because the cost of conducting public examinations has increased significantly over the years, it would not proceed with the adjustment until consultations are concluded.
“The proposed review was informed by the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations,” the statement said.
It added: “The current examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational costs.”
The proposed adjustment would have increased registration fees for both WASSCE and NECO examinations from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000 from 2027, representing an 82% rise.
According to the ministry, the review became necessary because of high expenses for logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other services required to conduct credible examinations nationwide.
Despite those challenges, the government said the planned increase will no longer take effect as earlier announced.
“The proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process,” the statement confirmed.
It added that the 18 June letter conveying the proposed adjustment had been formally withdrawn.
“This decision underscores the Ministry’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and reflect the collective interest of the nation,” the ministry said.
As part of the review, the ministry said it will begin consultations with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders.
It said the engagement is intended to ensure that any future decision on examination fees is fair, transparent and sustainable while protecting access to education.
“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 statement read.
The ministry also assured Nigerians that it would keep the public informed throughout the consultation process. It maintained that students’ welfare and equal access to quality education remain central to the Federal Government’s education agenda.
The suspension follows days after details of the proposed fee increase became public. Parents, students, education advocates and civil society organisations argued that the planned increase would place additional financial pressure on families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
The decision also comes shortly after the Federal Government announced plans to phase out the long-standing separation between Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS).
According to the Ministry of Education, the proposed reform is expected to reduce overcrowding in junior secondary schools, make better use of available facilities in senior secondary schools and help lower the number of students dropping out of school.
