Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has praised the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the planned increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination, describing the move as a victory for Nigerians.
The Federal Government on Monday withdrew its earlier circular proposing the fee increase, saying wider consultations with stakeholders were necessary before any final decision is taken.
The Ministry of Education had explained that the proposed adjustment was prompted by rising operational costs but suspended the plan following public criticism.
Reacting in a statement shared on his X account, Peter Obi said the government’s decision was a welcome relief for millions of families struggling with the country’s economic challenges.
He added that the reversal showed that authorities could reconsider policies when citizens raised genuine concerns.
Obi, however, argued that the proposed fee increase should never have been introduced, insisting that additional financial burdens would only make education less accessible at a time when many parents are already facing hardship.
He stressed that education should be treated as a public investment rather than a source of government revenue, warning that higher examination fees could discourage school enrolment and worsen Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.
Obi also urged the government to review other policies that have increased the financial burden on citizens, saying true leadership includes the willingness to reverse decisions that negatively affect the people.
He concluded by commending parents, civil society organisations and advocacy groups whose public opposition, he said, contributed to the government’s decision to suspend the proposed examination fee increase.
