The Federal Government has suspended the recent hike of the fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, and the National Examinations Council, NECO, Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE.
The development follows backlash that trailed the increments.
The suspension was announced in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, on Monday.
According to the Federal Government, the June 18th, 2026 letter conveying the hike of WAEC and NECO fees has been withdrawn.
The government said the suspension was to give room for review and further engagement with stakeholders.
“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public and appreciates the keen interest shown by Nigerians in matters relating to access to quality education.
“The proposed review was informed by the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations. The current examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational costs, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance, and other essential services required to maintain the integrity and credibility of public examinations across the country.
“Nevertheless, the Honorable 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.
“This decision underscores the ministry’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive, and
