"The Letter Has Been Withdrawn" — FG Suspends Planned N50,000 WAEC and NECO Fee Hike

The Federal Government has suspended its controversial plans to increase registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination to N50,000.

The sudden decision follows public outcry, criticism from people who argued that an 82% fee surge would heavily burden low-income families and worsen the country's out-of-school children crisis. The initial approval memo, issued on June 18, 2026, sought to raise and harmonize registration costs from the current baseline of N27,500 to a uniform N50,000 per candidate starting with the 2027 exam cycle.

"The Ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public... The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government's commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking."
— Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations

To chart a more sustainable path forward, the Minister of Education has ordered comprehensive, wide-ranging consultations with state ministries of education, parent-teacher associations, school proprietors, organized labor, and relevant civil society groups. The suspension guarantees that registration fees will remain unchanged until a thorough, socially responsive consensus is reached.

What are your thoughts on the Federal Government’s decision to back down on the N50,000 exam fee increase? Drop your comments below!

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