Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the proposed ₦50,000 uniform examination fee for WAEC and NECO. He said the plan could place secondary school education beyond the reach of many Nigerian families.
IKEJA, LAGOS — Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Federal Government’s reported proposal to introduce a uniform ₦50,000 examination fee for candidates sitting the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). The former vice president said such a policy would increase the financial burden on parents and could prevent millions of students from completing their secondary education.
Why This Happened
According to Atiku, the proposed examination fee comes at a time when many Nigerian households continue to face rising living costs and economic hardship. He argued that increasing the cost of public examinations could reduce access to education, especially for children from low-income families.
The former presidential candidate urged the Federal Government to prioritise policies that expand access to quality education rather than introduce measures that could make examinations less affordable.
What They Said
In his reaction, Atiku Abubakar said education should remain a right and not become a privilege available only to families that can afford higher examination fees.
He called on the Federal Government to reconsider the proposal and engage education stakeholders before making any decision that could affect millions of students preparing for WAEC and NECO examinations.
Who Is Atiku Abubakar?
Atiku Abubakar is a former Vice President of Nigeria and a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He has contested the Nigerian presidency several times and frequently comments on national issues, including education, the economy and governance.
What This Means for Nigeria
The development means public debate over the affordability of secondary school examinations could intensify if the proposal proceeds. Education experts and parents are expected to monitor the government’s next steps closely, as examination fees directly affect access to senior secondary school certification and opportunities for higher education. Any final decision will likely have implications for millions of candidates across the country.
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