The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and the National Examinations Council Senior School Certificate Examination following widespread public outrage.
The decision, announced on Monday, comes weeks after the Federal Ministry of Education issued a circular proposing higher examination fees, a move that drew criticism from parents, education stakeholders and opposition figures.
In a statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Boriowo Folasade, the government said the June 18, 2026 circular conveying the proposed fee review had been withdrawn to allow for broader consultations.
According to the ministry, the suspension followed concerns raised by Nigerians over the potential impact of the increase on access to secondary education.
“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public and appreciates the keen interest shown by Nigerians in matters relating to access to quality education,” the statement read.
The ministry explained that the proposed review was informed by rising operational costs associated with conducting credible public examinations, including logistics, security, printing, technology and other administrative expenses.
It noted that examination fees had remained largely unchanged for several years despite the increasing cost of delivering the examinations nationwide.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry said it would now embark on extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, parents’ associations, organised labour and other relevant groups before taking a final decision.
It added that the proposed fee increase would not take effect until the consultation process was concluded.
“The proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process,” the statement added.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education, saying the welfare of Nigerian students remains a priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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