BREAKING: FG suspends proposed increase in WAEC, NECO registration fees

Education

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has suspended the proposed review of registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), pending wider consultations with key stakeholders.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced the decision in a statement on Monday, saying the proposed fee adjustment had been put on hold to allow for comprehensive consultations to ensure that any future review reflects the country’s prevailing economic realities.

According to the Ministry, the decision followed concerns raised by stakeholders over the proposed increase in examination registration fees.

“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the proposed fee increase and has therefore decided to suspend the decision pending comprehensive consultations,” the statement said.

The Ministry explained that the proposed review had been informed by rising costs associated with conducting public examinations, including increased expenditure on examination materials, logistics and other operational requirements.

It, however, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the integrity and quality of public examinations while ensuring that education remains affordable and accessible to Nigerian students.

The statement disclosed that the Minister of Education, Dr. Adamu Adamu, has directed that the suspension of the proposed fee review should remain in force until further notice.

As part of the review process, the Ministry said it would engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, school administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders before reaching any final decision.

According to the Ministry, the consultations are intended to ensure that any future adjustment is fair, transparent, sustainable and responsive to current economic conditions without undermining access to education.

The Ministry stressed that the proposed increase in examination registration fees would not take effect until the consultation process had been concluded.

It also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising students’ welfare, equitable access to quality education and responsible policymaking under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Ministry thanked Nigerians and education stakeholders for their understanding, patience, and continued support, and assured the public that it would provide regular updates throughout the consultation process.

Editor’s Note: The press statement contains references to the 2017 examination cycle while also mentioning the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Ministry has not clarified the apparent inconsistency in the dates.