FG Suspends WAEC & NECO Fee Increase for 2027 – What Students Need to Know
FG Suspends Proposed Increase in WAEC and NECO Registration Fees for 2027
The Federal Government has officially suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The announcement was made by the Federal Ministry of Education, which confirmed that the earlier communication issued on 18 June 2026 regarding the proposed fee adjustment has been withdrawn. According to the Ministry, the suspension will allow for wider consultations with key stakeholders before any final decision is made.
Why Was the Fee Increase Proposed?
The Ministry explained that the planned review was driven by rising operational costs involved in conducting national examinations. These include expenses related to:
Printing examination materials
Logistics and transportation
Security
Technology and digital infrastructure
Quality assurance
Other administrative operations required to maintain credible public examinations
Officials noted that examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite increasing costs.
Government Puts Proposal on Hold
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the Federal Government's commitment to transparent, inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
The decision follows concerns raised by parents, students, schools and other members of the public after news of the proposed increase became public.
Stakeholder Consultations to Begin
The Ministry stated that it will engage a wide range of stakeholders before deciding whether any adjustment should be implemented. Those expected to participate include:
WAEC and NECO
State Ministries of Education
Public and private school administrators
Parents' associations
Labour unions
Education experts
Other relevant stakeholders
The goal is to ensure that any future decision is fair, sustainable and does not limit access to education.
What This Means for Students
For now, students preparing for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations will not experience any increase in registration fees. The previously announced review has been placed on hold until the consultation process is completed.
The Ministry reassured Nigerians that improving access to quality education and protecting the interests of students remain top priorities. It also promised to keep the public informed as discussions progress.
Final Thoughts
The suspension provides temporary relief for millions of Nigerian families concerned about the rising cost of education. While the government acknowledges the financial pressures involved in organizing national examinations, it says any future decision will only be made after extensive consultations with stakeholders and careful consideration of its impact on students.
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