Nigerian government suspends 82% exam fee hike

The Nigerian federal government has suspended a proposed 82 percent increase in registration fees for two major secondary school examinations following widespread public criticism. The decision, announced on July 13, 2026, halts a plan that would have raised the cost for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination to a uniform 50,000 naira per candidate, effective from 2027.

The Ministry of Education stated it had withdrawn a June 18, 2026, letter communicating the fee adjustment and would now undertake extensive consultations with stakeholders. The proposed increase from the current fee of 27,500 naira had been approved after a meeting between the education minister and examination bodies on March 31, 2026, citing rising operational costs for conducting credible national exams.

Minister of Education Maruf Tunji Alausa directed the suspension in line with what the ministry called a commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking. Officials said the ministry will engage with examination bodies, state education ministries, school administrators, parents' associations,...