Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed approval of the federal government’s choice to pause the planned registration fee hikes for the 2027 WASSCE and NECO exams. He characterized the reversal as a triumph for the public.
In a social media statement released on Monday, Obi lauded the administration for reacting to public pushback. However, he maintained that the government should have avoided the policy entirely, noting the severe economic pressures currently facing citizens. He emphasized that the state should prioritize investing in education rather than viewing it as a revenue stream, especially when addressing the high number of out-of-school children.
Obi warned that financial barriers at the basic education level could prevent numerous students from attending school. He argued that government officials should remove obstacles to learning rather than imposing multiple charges on struggling families. He also extended his appreciation to the activists and parents whose vocal opposition helped trigger the reversal.
The federal government confirmed the suspension earlier on Monday, citing a need for deeper discussions with stakeholders. Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa initiated the pause, noting that while operational expenses are rising, the government intends to consult further before proceeding with any potential adjustments.
