The federal government is under fire after approving a jump in WAEC and NECO SSCE registration fees to N50,000 — an 82% rise from the current N27,500.
The Federal Ministry of Education conveyed the approval in a June 18, 2026 letter signed by Adeniji Ibrahim, Director of Senior Secondary Education. The hike follows a WAEC request and will take effect from NECO SSCE (Internal), 2027. The ministry said the move followed a March 31 meeting between the minister and exam bodies, where the rising cost of running public exams was discussed and the minister “directed that WAEC and NECO should adopt a uniform fee for the conduct of WAEC and NECO SSCE.”
“Consequently, I am directed to convey the honourable minister of education’s approval of the sum of fifty thousand naira (N50,000.00) only, as the new examination fee per candidate, with effect from NECO SSCE (Internal), 2027.” The ministry also asked the Registrar of NECO to notify stakeholders.
The ministry didn’t give a full cost breakdown, though exam bodies blame higher logistics, security, printing, tech and supervision costs. The Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Folasade Boriowo, confirmed the approval. “I can confirm the approval of an upward review of the examination fees. I spoke with the director in charge a few minutes ago and he said the approval was done,” Folashade said.
Educationists warn the hike will push more children out of school. Adaramoye Micheal Lenin said: “This increase is not going to help curb the out-of-school crisis the government is trying to stop; rather, it will increase it. How does this help make education attractive to an already group of Nigerians who don’t fancy education?
“With this increase, it seems education has been commercialised and it’s now a danger, looking at the existing poor infrastructure and learning environment.
“We have Nigerians facing economic challenges and adding this extra burden will see parents who can’t afford the fees withdraw their kids to come and join them in the farm, markets or wherever they make a living. Students will be discouraged.
“As a group, we demand an immediate reversal of the fees. We condemn it in totality,” he said.
Mrs Dorothy Okwuenu warned: “It is a terrible move from the government. It is quite unfortunate that the government will be increasing the fees now and unfortunately, we are stuck. The increase has a multiplier effect as it will discourage students from going to school, thus increasing the out-of-school children.
“We have struggling parents who can’t afford this increase. Will the government pay for the public school students? I understand the other policy on the JSS and SSS, which is a good one for students to have 12 years straight education but this increase can derail that policy.”
Dr Mary Chinwuba added: “Many Nigerian families are already struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living. A sharp increase in examination fees could prevent thousands of qualified students from sitting for WAEC or NECO exams, especially those from low-income homes.
“Some students who cannot afford the examination fees may become discouraged and leave school altogether, increasing the number of out-of-school youths.
“Parents are already paying tuition, textbooks, uniforms, transportation, and feeding costs. An additional N50,000 per candidate will place significant pressure on household finances.
“Children from wealthier families will continue their education with little difficulty, while those from poorer homes may be left behind, widening the gap in educational opportunity.
“My position as an educationist is that quality education should remain accessible, affordable, and inclusive.”
Mrs Rosemary Onyenagubo said: “Gradually, education is becoming only for the rich. The increase will cause so many students to drop out, especially those who can’t afford it. The increase is also coming at a time when many families are struggling to feed and this may push them to abandon education totally.”
Opposition presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar called the hike “cruel and economically insensitive,” saying it clashes with the government’s duty to make education accessible and will deny many children the chance to climb out of poverty.
An old 2001 video of President Tinubu also surfaced. He recalled paying WAEC fees as Lagos governor: “Before we came into office, students were asked to pay WAEC fees of between N1,000 and N2,000. But during the campaign, about 17 people told me they could not afford the fees and had asked their children to stay at home.
“At that point, I said never again. We decided that the government would pay the examination fees for the students.
“When we started paying over N100 million, they introduced separate fees for science practicals, but I said I would not pay that one.
“I had left office around 5 p.m. In Mile 12, I saw women selling bread and sachet water with children still in their school uniforms. One of the children was carrying a tray of groundnuts on the head.
“I asked myself, if we don’t pay these fees, how can these children become pharmacists, doctors or engineers?
“I went back to the office and approved the payment. But paying examination fees alone is not enough. If we don’t provide laboratories in schools, it won’t make sense because the students also need practical training and the necessary learning materials.”
