A combined photo of Atiku Abubakar and WAEC logo
By Victory Oghene
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and the National Association of Nigerian Students have forced the federal government to suspend the proposed hike of the fee for West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and National Examinations Council examinations (NECO) from 2027.
Atiku and NANS had criticised the Federal Government for approving a uniform N50,000 fee for candidates registering for WAEC and NECO from 2027.
They argued that the increase, which represents a significant rise from the current fee, would make secondary school certification unaffordable for many Nigerian families and further widen the gap in access to education.
Recall that the initial registration fee was N27,500, which means the new increment comes with an 82 per cent hike.
In a statement made available to newsmen the Federal Government said it approved N50,000 as the new examination fee for WAEC and NECO for secondary school candidates from 2027.
On account of Atiku and NANS’ stands, the Federal Government announced the suspension of the proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 WAEC and NECO pending wider consultations with stakeholders.
In a Monday statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, the ministry said the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, had been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review before any final decision is taken.
The ministry, in the release signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the suspension followed concerns and feedback from members of the public.
“The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken,” the statement said.
