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), pending wider consultations with stakeholders.

In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, the government said the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, had been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review before any final decision is taken.

The ministry explained that the proposed increase was informed by rising operational costs associated with conducting credible national examinations, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment and quality assurance.

However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directed that the proposal be put on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

According to the ministry, the decision reflects its determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and in the overall national interest.

The ministry said it would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders before reaching a final decision.

It added that the proposed review of examination registration fees would not take effect until the consultation process is concluded.

The ministry reaffirmed that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education and responsible policy decisions remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, while assuring Nigerians that stakeholders would be kept informed throughout the consultation process.