Atiku, NANS oppose proposed N50,000 WAEC, NECO examination fee

(NANS) have criticised the Federal Government’s decision to introduce a uniform N50,000 registration fee for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination beginning in 2027.

NANS also rejected the proposed fee, describing it as harsh and insensitive to the plight of Nigerian students and their families.

In a statement, the association’s President, Babatunde Akinteye, urged the Federal Government to withdraw the proposal, arguing that it would worsen the financial burden already faced by many households.

According to him, if candidates choose to register for both WAEC and NECO under the new arrangement, they would spend N100,000 on examination registration alone, excluding additional charges imposed by schools.

He said such costs would put secondary school certification beyond the reach of many children from poor families.

Akinteye also faulted the decision-making process, alleging that the Federal Ministry of Education failed to engage student representatives before approving a policy that directly affects millions of candidates nationwide.

He maintained that education authorities should focus on making examinations more affordable rather than introducing additional financial obligations during a period of economic hardship.

The student body urged the ministry to reverse the proposed fee increase and ensure that student representatives are consulted before future policies affecting learners are implemented.

The proposed adjustment has continued to attract criticism from parents, education stakeholders and student groups, many of whom fear that higher examination costs could further limit access to secondary education and worsen educational inequality across the country.