Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and political figure Peter Obi have expressed satisfaction following the Federal Government’s decision to halt a planned increase in registration fees for the 2027 WASSCE and NECO examinations. The government had previously suggested raising these fees from N27,000 and N30,000 respectively to N50,000, triggering significant backlash from citizens and educational stakeholders.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the suspension, citing a need for broader consultations before finalizing any policy changes. Ministry spokesperson Boriowo Folasade noted that while rising operational and logistics costs necessitated a review, the government intends to engage with parents, school administrators, and labor unions to ensure future decisions remain fair and accessible. Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa confirmed that no increases would proceed until these comprehensive discussions conclude.
Atiku Abubakar welcomed the reversal but cautioned against impulsive governance. Speaking through his aide, he argued that the nation should not be treated as a testing ground for experimental policies. He emphasized that the government ought to prioritize thorough planning over reacting to public outrage. Similarly, Peter Obi described the suspension as a triumph for the populace. He noted that in a time of economic hardship, the government should prioritize funding for basic education rather than viewing examination fees as a means to generate revenue.
