Peter Obi Applauds Federal Government for Halting Proposed 2027 WAEC and NECO Fee Increase

Peter Obi has welcomed the Federal Government's suspension of the proposed 2027 WAEC and NECO registration fee hike, describing the move as a victory for Nigerian students and families.

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has commended the Federal Government for suspending the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

Reacting to the development in a statement shared on his official X account on Monday, Obi described the government's decision as "a victory for the Nigerian people."

The Federal Ministry of Education had earlier announced the suspension of the proposed fee review after widespread criticism from parents, education stakeholders, civil society organisations and advocacy groups.

Obi praised the government for listening to public concerns but argued that the proposed increase should never have been introduced, especially considering the country's current economic realities.

"While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship, when we should be doing everything possible to invest in basic education and reduce the millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria," he stated.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that education should remain accessible to every Nigerian child and should not become a financial burden for struggling families.

According to him, education is a fundamental right and a public good that should be supported by government investment rather than used as a revenue-generating avenue.

"Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education. At that stage, the State has a duty to invest in educating and preparing its citizens for productive lives, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school," Obi added.

He further noted that effective leadership is demonstrated not only by making policies but also by having the courage to reverse decisions that negatively affect citizens.

Obi also applauded parents, education advocates, civil society organisations and other Nigerians whose opposition to the proposed fee increase influenced the government's decision.

Earlier on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Education announced the withdrawal of its June 18, 2026 circular proposing a review of registration fees for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations.

In a statement signed by the ministry's Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the ministry explained that the suspension would allow for broader consultations with stakeholders before any final decision is reached.

The ministry said the move reflects the Federal Government's commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

The suspended proposal would have increased the registration fee for the 2027 WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000.

The proposed increase had generated widespread criticism, with many stakeholders warning that the higher fees could further limit access to secondary education, particularly for students from low-income households.