FG raises WAEC, NECO fees to N50,000 per candidate
The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Education has approved a significant increase in registration fees for WAEC and NECO examinations to N50,000 starting in 2027. The decision has faced backlash from parent and teacher associations who argue the hike places an undue financial burden on struggling families.
Why it matters
This policy change directly impacts the accessibility of secondary education for millions of Nigerian students and highlights growing economic pressures on households.
Layer 1 •Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education
The Federal Ministry of Education has given approval for the National Examinations Council, NECO and the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, to increase registration fee for their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, SSCE, to N50,000 per candidate, beginning in 2027.
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The increment drew the ire of National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, NAPTAN, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and former vice president and presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress, ADC, who described it as further punishment on already struggling parents and guardians.
The examinations are conducted for internal candidates who are finishing their Senior Secondary School education. WAEC just finished this year’s exam few weeks ago, while NECO’s ongoing.
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