FG Suspends WAEC, NECO Fee Hike Amid Stakeholder Consultations
The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO examination fees, halting plans to raise the fee to N50,000 per candidate pending consultations with stakeholders.
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The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), halting plans to raise the fee to N50,000 per candidate. The decision follows growing concerns from education stakeholders and the public.
A statement attributed to the Minister of Education had previously indicated approval of the N50,000 fee for internal WASSCE candidates starting in 2027. The announcement, reported by Vanguard News, triggered immediate reactions from parents, school administrators, and education unions.
However, Business Day reported on July 13, 2026, that the government has put the proposed review on hold to allow for stakeholder consultations. The pause suggests a shift in approach, emphasizing dialogue before implementing significant policy changes affecting secondary education assessment.
Both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) administer critical exams for secondary school students in Nigeria. Any fee adjustment directly impacts millions of candidates annually. The government has not specified when or how the consultations will be conducted, nor has it confirmed whether the N50,000 figure remains under consideration.
Education sector analysts await clarity on the timeline and framework for engagement with stakeholders. The suspension underscores the sensitivity of education financing reforms in Nigeria.