Students and parents have received temporary relief. The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees for 2027 after widespread public criticism.
ABUJA, FCT — The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) for the 2027 examination cycle. According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the proposal was withdrawn following public concerns over reports that the registration fee could increase from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000. The ministry said the matter will only be revisited after consultations with relevant stakeholders.
Why This Happened
The proposed fee increase attracted criticism from parents, students, education advocates and other Nigerians, who expressed concerns about the additional financial burden on families already facing rising living costs.
According to the Ministry of Education, the decision to suspend the proposal reflects the government’s commitment to listening to public concerns while ensuring that future decisions on examination fees involve broad stakeholder engagement.
What They Said
In its statement, the Ministry of Education said the proposed increase had been withdrawn for now and would only be reconsidered after consultations with stakeholders.
The ministry also assured Nigerians that the welfare of students remains a priority and pledged to work with relevant institutions before taking any future decision on examination registration fees.
Background to the Story
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) conduct major secondary school examinations used for university admissions and other educational opportunities across Nigeria.
Registration fees for these examinations are closely monitored because they directly affect millions of students and their families each year.
What This Means for Nigeria
The development means students preparing for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations will not face the proposed registration fee increase for now. It also signals that the Federal Government may seek wider consultations before introducing changes that could affect access to secondary school examinations.
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