Jul 13, 2026

FG Bows to Pressure, Suspends N50,000 WAEC NECO Exam Fee Hike

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

👁️ loading views...

ABUJA, Nigeria — In a swift reversal that reflects the power of public outcry, the Federal Government has suspended its proposed increase of WAEC and NECO Senior Secondary Certificate Examination fees to N50,000 per candidate, effective from 2027.

The decision came after widespread condemnation from parents, students, civil society groups, and opposition voices who described the hike as insensitive amid Nigeria’s harsh economic realities.

The initial approval, conveyed through the Federal Ministry of Education, would have raised NECO fees from around N30,000 and WAEC from N27,000-N27,500 to a uniform N50,000—a roughly 82% jump. The move followed a request from WAEC for a review to cover rising costs.

However, the announcement triggered immediate backlash, with many arguing it would further burden families already struggling with inflation, high living costs, and limited access to education.

Critics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, slammed the proposal as “cruel,” especially given Nigeria’s alarming number of out-of-school children (estimated at over 18 million) and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Student unions, parents’ associations, and education advocates warned that such a hike could exacerbate dropout rates, deepen inequality, and undermine national development goals.

Social media platforms buzzed with angry reactions, memes, and calls for the government to prioritize subsidies for education rather than increasing fees.

In response, the government announced the suspension pending broader consultations with key education stakeholders.

This U-turn highlights growing sensitivity to public sentiment in policymaking, particularly on issues directly affecting ordinary Nigerians.

The image circulating with ARISE TV’s report shows a government official addressing the matter, symbolizing the high-level deliberations that ultimately led to the pause.

For millions of secondary school students and their families, this suspension brings temporary relief.

WAEC and NECO exams remain critical gateways to higher education and employment opportunities.

With current fees already challenging for many, the proposed increase had raised fears of widened educational gaps between rich and poor.

Education experts note that while examination bodies face rising operational costs — printing, logistics, personnel, and technology — solutions should focus on efficiency, government subsidies, and public-private partnerships rather than direct burdens on candidates.

The suspension opens the door for more inclusive dialogue on sustainable funding for national examinations.

As stakeholders prepare for consultations, the episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between fiscal policy and social welfare in Nigeria.

Parents and students will be watching closely to see what emerges from the wider engagement.

The Federal Government’s responsiveness in this case may help rebuild some public trust, but the underlying challenges in Nigeria’s education sector — funding, access, and quality — remain pressing.

For now, the N50,000 fee hike is on hold, giving breathing space to families navigating an already tough economic landscape.