The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend 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, describing the move as “a victory for the Nigerian people.”

Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, shortly after the Federal Ministry of Education announced the suspension of the planned fee review following widespread public criticism.

He commended the government for responding to public concerns but argued that the proposed increase should never have been introduced given the prevailing economic hardship facing many Nigerian families.

“While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship, when we should be doing everything possible to invest in basic education and reduce the millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria,” Obi said.

According to him, access to education should be expanded rather than restricted at a time when many households are struggling with the rising cost of living.

He maintained that education is a fundamental right and a public good that should not be treated as a source of government revenue.

“Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education. At that stage, the State has a duty to invest in educating and preparing its citizens for productive lives, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school,” he added.

The former Anambra State governor further stated that effective leadership involves not only making policy decisions but also having the willingness to reverse those that place undue hardship on citizens.

“True leadership is demonstrated not only by making decisions but also by having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on the people. Many other anti-people policies deserve similar reconsideration,” he said.

Obi also expressed appreciation to parents, education advocates, civil society groups and other Nigerians whose opposition to the proposed fee increase contributed to the government’s decision to suspend the policy.

Earlier on Monday, the Guardian learnt that the Federal Ministry of Education announced the withdrawal of its June 18, 2026, circular conveying the proposed adjustment of examination registration fees to allow for wider consultations with relevant stakeholders before any final decision is taken.

In a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry said the suspension reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

The proposed review would have increased the registration fee for the 2027 WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations from N27,500 to N50,000.

The planned increase had attracted widespread criticism from parents, education stakeholders and advocacy groups, who warned that the higher fees could further limit access to secondary education, particularly for students from low-income families.