Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in the registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), describing the reversal as a major victory for Nigerians.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the June 18, 2026 circular introducing the N50,000 examination fee had been withdrawn. According to the ministry, the suspension is intended to allow for further consultations and engagement with stakeholders before any final decision is reached.
Reacting to the development in a statement shared on his X account, Obi praised the government’s decision to listen to public concerns but maintained that the proposed fee increase should never have been introduced in the first place. He argued that the additional financial burden would have made access to education even more difficult for millions of Nigerian families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
According to Obi, education should remain a fundamental right and a public good rather than becoming a source of government revenue. He warned that increasing examination fees at the secondary school level could discourage many students from completing their education and worsen the country’s already high number of out-of-school children.
The former Anambra State governor also stressed that genuine leadership includes the willingness to review and reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on citizens. He commended parents, students, civil society organizations and advocacy groups whose public campaigns and appeals contributed to the government’s decision to suspend the fee increase.
The policy reversal has generated widespread reactions across the country, with many Nigerians expressing relief over the decision. As consultations continue, stakeholders in the education sector are expected to push for policies that expand access to quality education while reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
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