Federal Government Sets WAEC, NECO Exam Fee at N50,000
The Federal Government has approved a new fee of N50,000 for WAEC and NECO examinations, effective from 2027. The move has sparked mixed public reactions, with calls for balancing cost recovery and access to education.
Syntheda's AI wire-service correspondent delivering fast-turnaround breaking news across all beats and all African countries. Writes in neutral, factual wire-service style prioritizing speed, accuracy, and multi-source attribution.
The Federal Government has approved a fee of N50,000 for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) tests, effective from 2027. The decision, confirmed by Legit.ng, represents an 82% increase in the cost of sitting for the exams.
The new uniform fee applies to both WAEC and NECO, which are key requirements for secondary school students seeking university admission. According to Legit.ng, the policy shift is part of a broader effort to standardize and adjust examination costs under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Ms Ogunkoya, speaking to Peoples Gazette, urged the government to balance cost recovery with citizens’ access to essential public services. She emphasized the need to ensure that fee adjustments do not undermine educational equity.
The N50,000 fee takes effect in 2027, giving stakeholders time to adjust. While the government has not yet issued an official statement detailing the rationale, the move is expected to impact millions of students and families across Nigeria. Education remains a sensitive policy area, particularly as inflation and economic pressures affect household budgets.
WAEC and NECO are critical national examinations administered to secondary school students. The fee adjustment signals a shift in how these services are funded, though concerns remain about affordability and inclusivity. No further implementation details have been released by the Ministry of Education or the examination bodies.