The Federal Government has suspended plans to increase registration fees for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations, bowing to public pressure and promising wider consultations before any final decision.
The suspension was announced on Monday in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education. According to the ministry, the letter proposing the fee adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a more comprehensive review.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the decision followed concerns and feedback from parents, students, and other stakeholders.
The ministry explained that the proposed hike was prompted by rising operational costs. These include logistics, security, printing of exam materials, technology deployment, and quality assurance measures needed to maintain the credibility of national examinations.
It noted that registration fees have remained largely unchanged for years despite the growing cost of conducting the exams.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold in line with the government’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry added that consultations will now be held with WAEC, NECO, state ministries of education, school owners, parents’ associations, organized labour, and other education stakeholders before any new fees are introduced.
It reiterated that student welfare, equal access to quality education, and responsible policymaking remain central to the Federal Government’s education agenda, and promised to keep Nigerians updated throughout the process.
