Nigeria's Education Ministry Hikes Exam Fees by 82%

The Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria has approved an 82% increase in examination fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), raising the fee from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000 per candidate, effective for the 2027 examination cycle. This decision, communicated in a letter dated June 18, 2026, and signed by Adeniji Ibrahim, Director of Senior Secondary Education, follows a request from WAEC for a fee review due to rising operational costs.

Educational stakeholders have expressed significant concern that this increase will place additional financial pressure on families already struggling, potentially worsening the ongoing school crisis and increasing dropout rates. The Ministry of Education, represented by Folashad Boriowo, stated that the fee adjustment is necessary to maintain the quality of examination administration.

Critics, including Micheal Lenin and Dorothi Okwuenu, argue that this hike contradicts government efforts to improve access to education and may discourage school enrollment, particularly among vulnerable families.