Following public outcry and criticisms, the Federal Government on Monday, July 13, 2026, announced the suspension of the approved increase in the registration fee of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination.
The government said that the suspension is to allow for a comprehensive review and broader stakeholder consultations before a final decision would be taken.
The government through the Federal Ministry of Education on Friday, July 10, 2026, announced an 87% upward review in the cost of registration for both WEAC and NECO from N27,500 to N50,000 effective 2027.
This initial approval was communicated in a June 18, 2026, statement by Adeniji Ibrahim, Director of Senior Secondary Education.
However, a statement on Monday by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, said the suspension comes in response to public concerns and feedback.
According to Folasade; “The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken”.
Folasade said that the initial push for the fee review was prompted by escalating operational expenses, such as the deployment of technology, security, logistics, quality assurance, and the printing of examination materials, adding that the costs have surged while registration fees remained stagnant for several years.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, ordered the suspension to ensure public interest is adequately considered.
“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking,” the statement noted.
The statement further said that moving forward, the ministry of Education plans to engage with state education ministries, examination bodies, parents’ associations, school administrators, organised labour, and other critical partners before finalizing any adjustments.
It stated that until until these consultations are completed, the proposed fee review will not take effect.
The government also reiterated its focus on student welfare and equitable access to quality education throughout this process.
