The Federal Government has 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.

The suspension followed widespread concerns from stakeholders and the public.

The Federal Ministry of Education, in a statement yesterday, announced the withdrawal of the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment dated June 18, 2026, to allow for broader consultations with relevant stakeholders before any final decision is taken.

The proposed review, which would have raised the examination fee from N27,500 to N50,000, had triggered concerns among parents, education advocates and stakeholders over its possible impact on access to secondary education, particularly for students from low-income households.

In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the statement said the decision to suspend the review was in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

Reacting to the suspension, former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the fees, describing the move as a victory for Nigerian parents, students and civil society groups.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the reversal vindicated his earlier warning that raising examination fees would worsen educational inequality and deny many indigent students access to higher education.

While commending the government for suspending the proposal, Atiku questioned why the administration often waits for widespread public criticism before reversing controversial policies.

He argued that governments should consult stakeholders before introducing major policies, rather than reversing decisions after public opposition.

According to the former Vice President, the proposed fee increase would have imposed an additional financial burden on families already grappling with inflation, high transportation costs, rising electricity tariffs and declining purchasing power.

Similarly, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the suspension of the hike as victory for Nigerians.

In a statement posted on X, Peter Obi noted: “I received the welcome news of the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees with relief. This is a victory for the Nigerian people.

“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.”