For thousands of Nigerian students and parents already struggling with rising living costs, the news came as a major relief. The Federal Government has suspended its planned increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), following widespread concerns from the public.
The decision means students and families will not immediately face the burden of higher examination costs, as the proposed adjustment has been placed on hold pending broader consultations with key stakeholders in the education sector.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the suspension in a statement on Monday, July 13, explaining that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026, letter that communicated the planned fee review. The ministry said the move was necessary to allow for a more detailed assessment of the proposal and gather opinions from those directly affected.
According to the ministry’s director of press and public relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government listened to the concerns and feedback from Nigerians following the announcement of the proposed increase.
The initial plan, the ministry explained, was influenced by the growing cost of conducting credible examinations, including expenses related to logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, and quality assurance.
However, with millions of families already facing economic pressure, the proposed increase triggered reactions from parents, students, and education stakeholders who feared that higher fees could create additional challenges for learners.
Responding to the concerns, Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be suspended, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive and transparent decision-making.
The ministry stated that it would now engage examination bodies, state education ministries, school owners, parents’ associations, labour groups, and other stakeholders before any final decision is made.
It assured Nigerians that no fee increase would take effect until the consultation process was completed and a conclusion reached.
For students preparing for one of the most important stages of their academic journey, the suspension offers temporary relief and hope that future decisions will consider both economic realities and the need to protect access to education.
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