The Federal Government acted wisely by halting the planned fee hike for WAEC and NECO examinations. This choice acknowledges the severe financial strain currently facing Nigerian families. We urge that this proposal be scrapped indefinitely, given the current economic climate.
This is a poor time to add financial pressure to households already dealing with high costs for food, transport, electricity, and healthcare. Recent economic reforms have diminished the purchasing power of citizens, making it difficult for many to meet basic needs. Implementing higher exam costs would have been an insensitive move during such a difficult period.
Education is a essential right rather than a privilege. It serves as a vital foundation for national progress. When students finish their secondary schooling, they prepare to contribute to the nation’s future. Consequently, the government must work to eliminate obstacles to learning instead of introducing them. For many families, especially those in low-income areas, these fee hikes would have effectively barred capable students from completing their certifications after years of study.
The government’s primary duty regarding education is not to generate profit but to foster a knowledgeable citizenry. If public examination bodies face rising operational costs, officials should manage these through smart budgeting, increased efficiency, or subsidies. Moving the financial burden onto families is not the answer.
With millions of children already out of school, increasing the cost of education will only worsen national inequality. Nigeria must prioritize removing barriers for its youth. This recent suspension is a step in the right direction, but authorities must avoid reviving the plan later. A successful nation invests in the potential of its students rather than seeking to profit from their academic pursuits.
