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 public criticism.
The suspension was announced in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the ministry, the June 18, 2026 circular that communicated the proposed fee increase has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and wider consultations with key stakeholders.
The ministry explained that the proposed adjustment was necessitated by rising operational costs associated with conducting credible national examinations. These include increased expenses for 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 the decision reflects the government’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of students and their families are carefully considered and responsive to the needs of the public.
As part of the review process, the ministry said it would engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders, and other relevant partners before reaching a final decision.
It added that the proposed increase in examination registration fees will not take effect until the consultation process has been concluded.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to protecting students’ welfare, promoting equitable access to quality education, and ensuring that future policy decisions are fair, sustainable, and in the best interest of Nigerians.
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