The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in examination fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), describing the move as “a victory for Nigerians.”
The Federal Government announced the suspension on Monday through a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the ministry, the June 18, 2026 directive that raised WAEC and NECO examination fees to ₦50,000 has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and further consultations with relevant stakeholders.
Reacting in a statement shared on his X account, Obi said he received the development with relief, commending the government for responding to widespread public opposition.
“I received the welcome news of the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees with relief. This is a victory for the Nigerian people,” he said.
Obi, however, argued that the proposed fee hike should never have been introduced, especially at a time when millions of Nigerians are battling economic hardship.
He stressed that education should remain affordable and accessible, noting that the government should focus on reducing the number of out-of-school children rather than introducing policies that could further limit access to basic education.
“At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, access to education should be expanded, not restricted. Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue,” he stated.
The former Anambra State governor warned that imposing additional financial burdens on students at the basic education level could deny many children their constitutional right to education.
He added that true leadership is reflected not only in making decisions but also in the willingness to reverse policies that place unnecessary hardship on citizens.
Obi also urged the Federal Government to review other policies that negatively affect Nigerians, while commending parents, civil society organisations and advocacy groups whose public pressure contributed to the suspension of the fee increase.
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