Federal Government Sanctions ₦50,000 Registration Fee for WAEC/NECO SSCE

Nigerian parents will soon face a significant hike in examination fees for their children sitting the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE). From the year 2027, the registration fee for each candidate will be ₦50,000, marking an 82% increase from the current charge of ₦27,500.

This upward review was given the nod by the Federal Government, with the new rate scheduled to commence in 2027. The approval was officially communicated through a statement dated June 18, signed by Adeniji Ibrahim, who serves as the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education.

The decision follows a formal request submitted by WAEC, advocating for an increment in the SSCE registration fee. According to Mr. Ibrahim, the agreement to adjust the fees was finalized during a meeting held on March 31, 2026. This crucial meeting involved the Minister of Education and representatives from various examination bodies, where discussions centered on the necessity of reviewing existing examination charges.

Furthermore, Mr. Ibrahim disclosed that the Minister issued a directive to both WAEC and NECO, instructing them to implement a standardized examination fee across the board. This increment, however, has not been met without resistance, as it has already sparked condemnation from student bodies and prominent opposition figures.