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 public concerns over the planned adjustment.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.

According to Boriowo, the ministry has withdrawn its June 18, 2026, letter that communicated the proposed fee increase, paving the way for a broader review and extensive consultations with key stakeholders before any final decision is reached.

She explained that the suspension followed constructive feedback from Nigerians, who expressed concerns about the potential impact of the proposed increase on students and families.

Boriowo noted that the fee review proposal was initially driven by prevailing economic realities and the growing cost of conducting credible national examinations across the country.

She identified rising expenses in logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance, and other critical services as major factors that informed the proposed adjustment.

The spokesperson further revealed that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had directed that the proposal be placed on hold, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and evidence-based policymaking.

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As part of the renewed review process, the ministry will engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, and other stakeholders in the education sector.

“The proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process,” Boriowo stated.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting students’ welfare, ensuring equitable access to quality education, and making responsible policy decisions that reflect the interests of Nigerians.

Boriowo also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their patience, understanding, and continued support, assuring that the public would be kept informed as consultations progress and a final decision is reached.