The Federal government has suspended the proposed evaluation of registration costs for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Elder School Certificate Examination (SSCE), pending wider assessments with stakeholders.
The decision was announced in a statement provided on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo.
According to the ministry, the letter conveying the proposed cost change, dated June 18, 2026, has actually been withdrawn to allow for a thorough review and more comprehensive assessments before a final decision is taken.
The ministry said the suspension followed concerns and constructive feedback from Nigerians over the planned boost, noting that the government stayed dedicated to making sure access to quality education.
It explained that the proposed review was informed by dominating economic realities and the rising expense of conducting reliable public examinations, consisting of increased expenditures on logistics, security, printing of evaluation materials, innovation implementation and quality assurance.
Nevertheless, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposition be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry said it would engage thoroughly with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, moms and dads’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders as part of the fresh evaluation procedure.
It added that the suggested increase in evaluation registration costs would not work up until the consultation procedure is concluded.
Reassuring Nigerians, the ministry stated that the welfare of students, fair access to quality education and responsible policymaking stay central to the Restored Hope Program of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the education sector.
The ministry also valued the understanding and continued assistance of stakeholders, pledging to keep the public informed throughout the consultation process.