The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, following widespread public concern over the planned hike from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000.
The Ministry of Education announced that the proposed fee review has been put on hold pending wider consultations with key stakeholders. The ministry also confirmed that it has withdrawn its June 18, 2026 letter which earlier communicated the proposed adjustment to the examination bodies.
According to the ministry, the proposed increase was informed by rising operational costs involved in conducting credible national examinations. However, it said the review would not take effect until consultations with stakeholders are concluded, assuring Nigerians that students’ welfare and access to quality education remain a priority.
The decision comes barely a day after reports circulated that the Federal Government had approved a uniform registration fee of ₦50,000 for both WAEC and NECO beginning from 2027, a development that sparked criticism from parents, students and education advocates.
The government has not announced a new fee, stating that any future decision will be made after broader engagement with relevant stakeholders.
