The Federal Government has suspended its proposed increase in WAEC and NECO examination fees for 2027, reversing plans to raise the registration cost from N27,500 to N50,000.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced on Monday that it had withdrawn its June 18, 2026, letter approving the proposed fee review.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the government said the decision was taken to allow wider consultations with stakeholders before any final decision is made.
According to the ministry, the suspension reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
The proposed fee hike had sparked widespread criticism from parents, civil society groups and education stakeholders across the country.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) were among those who opposed the increase, warning that it would place an extra burden on low-income families.
Following the backlash, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold pending further review.
The ministry explained that the planned increase was driven by rising operational costs involved in conducting national examinations.
It noted that expenses for logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology and quality assurance have increased significantly, while examination fees have remained unchanged for years.
According to the ministry, WAEC and NECO had argued that the current N27,500 registration fee is no longer sufficient to sustain the quality and security of the examinations.
The Federal Government, however, assured Nigerians that no new fee will be introduced until consultations with all stakeholders are completed.
The ministry said it will engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, parents, labour unions and other stakeholders before making any decision.
For now, candidates preparing for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations will continue with the existing registration fee until a new agreement is reached.
