Nigeria Suspends WAEC, NECO Fee Increase Amid Backlash

The Federal Government of Nigeria announced the suspension of a planned increase in registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). This decision was made in response to widespread public concern and was communicated by the Ministry of Education on June 18, 2026.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the proposal for fee adjustment would be withdrawn pending a comprehensive review of the policy.

The decision reflects the government's commitment to inclusive and transparent policymaking, as it aims to address the financial burdens on millions of Nigerian families. Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), welcomed the suspension, criticizing the government for its previous reckless policies.

He emphasized that the proposed fee hike would have created financial barriers for many students, worsening educational inequities. The Ministry's statement indicated that the fee structure had remained largely unchanged for several years despite rising operational costs.