President Candidate of the NDC for the 2027 election, Mr Peter Obi has said that the suspension of newly introduced examination fees is a relief and a victory for the Nigerian people.
DrumAfricanews reports that the Federal Government on Monday 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).
Federal Ministry of Education says the fee adjustment proposal contained in its 18 June 2026 letter has been withdrawn pending broader stakeholder consultations.
The Ministry explains that the proposed increase was driven by rising costs associated with conducting credible national examinations.
However, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, directs that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
The Ministry says it will engage examination bodies, State Ministries of Education, school proprietors, parents, organised labour and other stakeholders before any decision is taken.
It stresses that the proposed fee review will not take effect until consultations are concluded and reaffirms its commitment to protecting students’ welfare.
Reacting, Obi said, “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 said that at a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, access to education should be expanded, not restricted. “Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue”, he said.
He said that “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.”
He said that true leadership is demonstrated not only by making decisions but also by having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on the people. Many other anti-people policies deserve similar reconsideration.
“I thank the citizens, parents, and advocacy groups whose voices made this reversal possible. A New Nigeria is Possible.”
