The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in examination fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) following widespread criticism from parents, students, education stakeholders, and civil society groups.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the decision was reached after concerns were raised over the financial burden the proposed fee hike would place on millions of Nigerian families already grappling with rising living costs.
Education stakeholders had argued that increasing the cost of WAEC and NECO registration could discourage many students, particularly those from low-income households, from sitting for the examinations. They urged the government to prioritize affordable access to education and protect candidates from additional financial hardship.
The suspension has been welcomed by parents, school proprietors, and student organisations, who described the government’s decision as a timely intervention. Many have called for broader reforms in the education sector, including increased funding, improved examination infrastructure, and enhanced support for public schools.
CDA News Nigeria reports that while the proposed fee adjustment has been put on hold, the Federal Government is expected to engage relevant stakeholders before taking any further decision on examination registration charges.
The development is expected to provide relief to candidates preparing for future WAEC and NECO examinations, as many families continue to adjust to prevailing economic realities.
All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria.
Contact: info@cdanews.ng | www.cdanews.ng | +2348030980314 | 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
