Nigeria suspends proposed WAEC and NECO exam fee increase

The Federal Ministry of Education had approved a uniform registration fee of N50,000 for candidates sitting the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examinations from 2027, an increase of about 82‑85 % over the previous fees of N27,500‑30,000. The rise was justified on the basis of higher operational costs such as logistics, security, printing and technology deployment.

Following a wave of public outcry, protests by students, parents and civil‑society groups, and criticism from political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour candidate Peter Obi and ADC presidential hopeful, the government announced on 13 July 2026 that the June 18 2026 circular proposing the hike had been withdrawn. In a statement signed by Director of Press and Public Relations Folasade Boriowo, the Ministry said the proposal was placed on hold “in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence‑based policymaking.” Education Minister Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa ordered a comprehensive review and broader stakeholder consultations involving exam bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders before any decision is taken.