Obi Aguocha to FG: Reverse N50,000 WAEC, NECO Fee Before It Destroys the Dreams of Nigerian Children"

The Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has expressed deep concern over the Federal Government's reported approval of a uniform examination fee of N50,000 for candidates sitting for WAEC and NECO examinations from 2027. He described the policy as insensitive to the current economic realities facing millions of Nigerian families.

Reacting to the development, Aguocha said the proposed examination fee would impose unbearable financial pressure on parents and guardians who are already struggling with the rising cost of living, inflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power. According to him, education should remain accessible to every Nigerian child and not become a privilege reserved for those who can afford exorbitant fees.

The lawmaker maintained that many Nigerian families now live from hand to mouth with little or no hope of economic improvement. He noted that introducing a uniform examination fee of N50,000 at a time when the national minimum wage stands at N70,000 raises serious questions about the government's understanding of the daily realities confronting ordinary citizens.

"How does it make sense for a family to pay N50,000 for a single examination when the minimum wage is N70,000?" Aguocha asked. "Even for workers earning N150,000 monthly, survival has become increasingly difficult because of soaring food prices, transportation costs, school fees, rent, healthcare expenses, and other basic necessities."

Hon. Aguocha called on the Federal Government to urgently review the proposed policy in the interest of national development. He stressed that any policy affecting access to education must be carefully evaluated to ensure it does not further widen the gap between the rich and the poor or force more children out of school.

The federal lawmaker further warned that increasing the financial burden on struggling families could have wider social consequences. According to him, growing economic hardship, hopelessness, and limited opportunities continue to fuel insecurity, corruption, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the country, making it imperative for government to adopt people-centred policies.

He therefore urged the Federal Government and relevant education authorities to reconsider the proposed uniform examination fee and engage stakeholders in finding a more affordable and sustainable solution that guarantees every Nigerian child the opportunity to complete secondary education without undue financial hardship.