Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has applauded the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The former Anambra State governor described the decision as a victory for Nigerians, saying public concerns over the policy had been heard.
The Federal Government announced on Monday that the earlier directive raising the examination fees to N50,000 had been withdrawn pending further review and consultations with stakeholders.
Obi says education should remain affordable
Reacting in a statement shared on his X account, Obi said the suspension came as welcome relief for millions of Nigerian families facing economic hardship.
He commended the government for reconsidering the policy but argued that the proposed fee increase should not have been introduced in the first place.
According to him, expanding access to education should remain a national priority, particularly at a time when many children are already out of school.
Calls for greater investment in education
Obi maintained that education is a fundamental right and should not become a source of government revenue.
He warned that increasing examination fees could discourage many students from completing their education, especially those from low-income households.
The former presidential candidate also urged the government to review other policies that place additional financial pressure on Nigerians, adding that responsive leadership includes the willingness to reverse unpopular decisions.
FG suspends fee increase for further review
The suspension followed a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, which confirmed that the June 18, 2026 directive approving the proposed fee increase had been withdrawn.
According to the ministry, the decision will allow for broader consultations and engagement with relevant stakeholders before any further action is taken.
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar had also criticised the proposed increase, describing it as insensitive to the country’s current economic realities.
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