Suspension of Examination Fees Victory for Nigerians — Peter Obi

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has welcomed the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees, describing the decision as “a victory for the Nigerian people.”

In a statement, Obi commended the authorities for responding to widespread public opposition but maintained that the policy should never have been introduced, especially amid the country’s prevailing economic challenges.

“I received the welcome news of the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees with relief. This is a victory for the Nigerian people.”

He argued that imposing additional fees on basic education would have placed an unnecessary financial burden on struggling families and worsened the challenge of millions of out-of-school children across the country.

“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.”

Obi stressed that government has a responsibility to invest in education rather than create financial barriers that could deny children access to learning.

He also described the reversal of the policy as an example of responsible leadership, urging the government to review other policies that have increased hardship for Nigerians.

“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.”

The former Anambra State governor thanked citizens, parents and advocacy groups whose public outcry contributed to the suspension of the examination fees.