FG Raises WAEC, NECO Examination Fees
The Federal Government has approved an upward review of registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), a move expected to take effect from the 2027 examination cycle.
Under the new arrangement, candidates registering for either examination will pay N50,000, replacing the current fee of N27,500. The increase represents an 82 per cent rise and is expected to affect millions of senior secondary school students across the country.
The approval was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Adeniji Ibrahim.
According to the ministry, the decision followed a meeting held on March 31, 2026, between the Minister of Education and officials of the country’s examination bodies, where the rising cost of conducting public examinations and the need for a uniform registration fee were discussed.
The statement said the Minister directed both WAEC and NECO to adopt the same registration fee for their Senior School Certificate Examinations to ensure uniformity in the administration of the examinations.
The ministry further stated that the revised fee would take effect from the 2027 NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (Internal), while relevant stakeholders have been notified to begin preparations ahead of its implementation.
Confirming the development, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, said the approval for the upward review had been granted.
The announcement is expected to spark reactions from parents, students, school proprietors and education stakeholders, many of whom have repeatedly voiced concerns over the rising cost of education amid the country’s prevailing economic challenges.
With examination registration now set to cost significantly more, many families may have to make additional financial adjustments to support candidates seeking admission into higher institutions.
