The Federal Ministry of Education has authorized an increase in registration costs for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) administered by both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). Starting in 2027, every student sitting for these internal exams will be required to pay N50,000.
This policy change marks a significant price hike for students. Currently, NECO registration is priced at N30,000, while WAEC charges N27,000. An official memo dated June 18, 2026, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Mr. Adeniji Ibrahim, confirmed that the Minister of Education ordered this fee standardization following a discussion with examination officials on March 31, 2026.
The announcement has sparked immediate concern regarding accessibility. Observers worry that the increased costs will burden state governments that cover exam fees for students, potentially leading to higher debt. Furthermore, parents in states where such sponsorship is unavailable fear that many families will struggle to afford the registration fees, potentially preventing students from graduating.
