The Federal Government has suspended the proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), following widespread public criticism and calls for a rethink. The Federal Ministry of Education, in a statement dated July 13, 2026, said the proposal had been placed on hold to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders before any final decision is reached.
Recall that Hon. Obi Aguocha, Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, was among the first federal lawmakers to publicly reject the proposed N50,000 uniform examination fee, describing the policy as insensitive and capable of worsening the hardship already confronting millions of Nigerian families. He urged the Federal Government to immediately review the proposal, insisting that education should remain affordable and accessible to every Nigerian child irrespective of their social or economic background.
Aguocha argued that the proposed fee failed to reflect the harsh economic realities in the country. According to him, "Many Nigerian families are living daily lives of hopelessness and insufficient opportunities. We need, as a matter of urgent national importance, to review this onerous policy thrust on our people and take cognisance of the difficult and underperforming social and economic challenges in the country."
The lawmaker also questioned the logic behind fixing a uniform examination fee of N50,000 when Nigeria's national minimum wage is N70,000. "How does that make sense?" he asked. "Even if one is earning N150,000 monthly, how can a family survive with all these fees and the rising cost of living? Parents are already battling inflation, transportation costs, rent, food prices and other school-related expenses."
Hon. Aguocha further warned that introducing such a policy at a time of severe economic hardship would only increase the number of out-of-school children and place additional pressure on struggling households. He maintained that when citizens are pushed to the wall economically, the consequences often include rising insecurity, corruption, kidnapping and other social vices, urging the government to adopt policies that inspire hope rather than deepen despair.
Announcing the suspension, the Federal Ministry of Education said the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment had been withdrawn to pave the way for comprehensive stakeholder consultations. The Ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by Nigerians and reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking, while noting that the proposed review was initially informed by the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations.
The development has been widely welcomed by parents, education stakeholders and civil society groups, with many describing the Federal Government's decision as a victory for constructive public engagement. Observers say the strong intervention by Hon. Obi Aguocha and other concerned Nigerians contributed significantly to the decision to suspend the proposed fee hike and reopen discussions on a more affordable and socially responsive approach.
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