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) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The Federal Ministry of Education announced this in a press release dated 13th July 2026, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the Ministry, the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment dated 18 June 2026 has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.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 Ministry said the proposed review was informed by “prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations.”
It noted that current registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite increases in costs of logistics, security, printing, technology deployment, and quality assurance.
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.”
As part of the fresh review process, the Ministry said it will engage examination bodies, State Ministries of Education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, and other education stakeholders.
The goal, the Ministry stated, is to ensure any future decision is “fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing realities while safeguarding access to education.”
Accordingly, the proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process.
The Ministry also reaffirmed that “the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions” remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the education sector.
The Ministry acknowledged public concerns and feedback on the matter and appreciated Nigerians’ interest in access to quality education.
