Activist and politician Aisha Yesufu has argued that Nigerian students should not bear the cost of writing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
According to her, access to quality education should be guaranteed for every Nigerian child, including the completion of secondary school examinations.
Her comments followed the Federal Government’s approval of a new examination fee structure for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Government approves new examination fees
The Federal Ministry of Education approved an examination fee of ₦50,000 per candidate for both WAEC and NECO Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations, with the new rate scheduled to take effect from 2027.
The approval was contained in a memo dated June 18, 2026, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Adeniji Ibrahim, on behalf of the ministry.
The announcement has generated discussions among education stakeholders and members of the public over the affordability of examination fees.
Yesufu says education should be a right
Reacting in a post on X, Yesufu maintained that students should not be required to pay for the examinations.
She argued that investing in free and quality education benefits the nation more than individuals alone, stressing that governments should prioritise educational access.
According to the activist, the long-term consequences of an uneducated population are far more costly than funding basic education.
Debate over education funding continues
The proposed examination fee has continued to attract reactions from Nigerians, with supporters and critics expressing differing views on how public education should be financed.
The discussion adds to the broader conversation on improving access to affordable education and strengthening Nigeria’s education system.