Federal Government suspends nationwide WAEC, NECO fee hike amid backlash

On Monday, July 12, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Education announced the suspension of the recent fee increase for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The decision follows widespread backlash from parents, students, and educators over the proposed hike, which had threatened to raise examination costs significantly. The suspension applies nationwide, keeping the fees at their previous levels until further notice.

This development matters because the proposed fee increase would have added a financial burden on many Nigerian families already facing economic strain, potentially preventing some students from registering for these essential secondary school examinations. By halting the hike, the government aims to preserve access to certification that is crucial for university admission and job opportunities, alleviating immediate concerns about affordability.

Parents and students should verify the current fee schedule with their schools or directly on the WAEC and NECO official websites to ensure they have the correct amounts before registering. The suspension is described as temporary, so monitoring future announcements from the Federal Ministry of Education is advisable. Will you verify the current fee schedule with your child's school or the exam bodies to avoid any surprises during registration?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/13/nigerian-govt-suspends-waec-neco-fees-hike-amid-backlash/