ABUJA — The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for WAEC and NECO examinations, following widespread public concern over the planned adjustment.
The Ministry of Education announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, that it had withdrawn a June 18, 2026 letter notifying schools of the proposed fee review. The ministry said the suspension is to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders before any final decision is made.
In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the ministry said it had taken note of feedback from parents, students, educators and other Nigerians.
According to the ministry, the proposed fee adjustment was driven by rising operational costs of conducting credible national examinations.
It noted that WAEC and NECO registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years, despite increases in the cost of logistics, security, printing of materials, technology deployment, and quality assurance.
The ministry explained that these services are critical to maintaining the integrity of public examinations
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold in line with the government’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry said the decision reflects its determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of students and families are properly consulted on before implementation.
“As part of the fresh review process, the Ministry will engage extensively with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, and other education stakeholders,” the statement read.
It added that consultations will focus on ensuring any future decision on examination fees is fair, sustainable, transparent, and responsive to current economic realities, while protecting access to education.
The ministry stressed that the proposed increase will not take effect until the consultation process is concluded and a final decision is reached.
The ministry reassured Nigerians that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education, and responsible policymaking remain central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector.
It also thanked parents, students and stakeholders for their understanding and patience, pledging to keep the public informed throughout the review process.
The suspension comes amid concerns that any increase in WAEC and NECO fees could put additional pressure on families already struggling with rising costs of living
Education stakeholders, including the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPTAN, and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, had earlier raised concerns about the proposed hike, calling for dialogue before implementation.
With the review now suspended, the ministry says it will use the consultation period to balance fiscal realities with affordability and access for Nigerian students preparing for the 2027 Senior School Certificate Examinations
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