WAEC, NECO Fees to Remain Unchanged as FG Suspends Proposed Increase

The Federal Government has suspended planned increases in examination fees for candidates sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, easing pressure on millions of students and their families amid the country’s rising cost of living.

The decision follows growing concerns from parents, education stakeholders, labour groups, and civil society organizations about the financial burden higher examination fees would place on households already grappling with inflation and rising education costs.

Officials said the suspension is aimed at ensuring that no eligible student is denied access to secondary school leaving examinations due to financial constraints, while consultations continue on funding for public examinations.

The planned fee adjustment had generated widespread public debate, with many Nigerians warning that another increase in examination costs could worsen school dropout rates and limit access to education, particularly for students from low-income families.

Education experts welcomed the government’s decision, describing it as a timely intervention that would ease financial pressure on households preparing candidates for this year’s examinations.

Parents  associations also applauded the move, urging authorities to prioritize sustainable funding for education instead of transferring additional costs to families.

The Federal Government said it would continue discussions with examination bodies and other stakeholders to develop a more sustainable financing model for WAEC and NECO examinations.

Officials noted that rising operational costs including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, digital infrastructure, and personnel expenses have increased the financial demands of conducting nationwide examinations.

Despite these challenges, the government said protecting access to education remains a priority.

WAEC and NECO remain Nigeria’s two principal senior secondary school examination bodies, with millions of candidates registering annually.

Their certificates are required for admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and for many employment opportunities across Nigeria and beyond.

Education stakeholders argue that maintaining affordable examination fees is essential to ensuring equal opportunities for students regardless of their economic background.

While many Nigerians have welcomed the suspension, education advocates insist that a long-term solution is needed.

They are calling for increased government investment in education, improved funding for examination bodies, and broader reforms to reduce the overall cost of accessing quality education in Nigeria.

Analysts say the government’s decision reflects growing sensitivity to public concerns over affordability as families continue to face economic pressures.

The suspension is expected to remain in effect while the Federal Government concludes its review of examination funding and engages stakeholders on future pricing.