Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has praised the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Reacting to the government’s announcement, Obi described the reversal as a positive step, arguing that education should be treated as a public investment rather than a means of generating revenue. He maintained that access to education must remain affordable, particularly for families already facing economic hardship.
Obi stressed that policies affecting students and parents should prioritize expanding educational opportunities instead of creating additional financial barriers. According to him, making education more expensive risks excluding many young Nigerians from obtaining the qualifications needed for higher education and future employment.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the suspension after widespread public criticism of the proposed fee increase. The ministry said it had withdrawn its earlier communication on the planned adjustment to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders before reaching a final decision.
The ministry explained that the proposed review was driven by rising costs associated with administering national examinations, including logistics, security, printing, technology and quality assurance. However, it said the government opted to pause the process in response to public concerns and in line with its commitment to inclusive, evidence-based policymaking.
Obi welcomed the government’s decision to reconsider the proposal, reiterating that education should remain accessible to all Nigerians regardless of their financial circumstances. He urged policymakers to pursue reforms that strengthen the education sector without placing additional burdens on students and their families.
