Ministry withdraws June 18 memo, says wider consultations needed
By Samuel Olusegun Precious
ABUJA — 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, SSCE.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the ministry said the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, had been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review.
“The letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken,” the statement said.
Why the proposal was made
According to the ministry, the proposed review was driven by rising costs of conducting national examinations. It cited higher costs of logistics, security, printing, technology deployment, and quality assurance.
Registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing operational expenses.
Minister’s directive
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
“The Honourable Minister of Education has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking,” the statement said.
What happens next
The ministry said consultations will be held with WAEC, NECO, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour, and other stakeholders before any decision is reached. Accordingly, the proposed review will not take effect until the consultation process is concluded.The suspension follows public outcry.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Association of Nigerian Students had earlier kicked against the uniform ₦50,000 fee for candidates.The earlier proposal would have increased fees from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000 — an 82% hike set for 2027.The ministry pledged to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process.
