The proposed increase in the cost of registering for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations has attracted criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The planned fee adjustment, which could raise the cost of the examinations to about N50,000 per candidate, has sparked concerns among students, parents, and education stakeholders who fear that the move could make secondary school examinations less affordable for many Nigerians.

Atiku Abubakar criticized the proposal, describing it as an additional financial challenge for families already affected by economic difficulties. He stressed the importance of keeping education accessible and warned that increased examination costs could discourage some students from completing their academic journey.

He urged the government to reconsider the decision and seek other funding options that would support examination bodies without placing extra pressure on students and their families.

NANS also opposed the proposed fee increase, arguing that it could create further obstacles for students, especially those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The association called on authorities to develop policies that promote access to education rather than introduce measures that may prevent some students from participating in key examinations.

Other education stakeholders have echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that while examination bodies face operational challenges, solutions should be found without making education unaffordable. They called for greater government investment and sustainable funding strategies for the education sector.

While some supporters of the proposed increase believe it may be necessary to meet the rising costs of organizing examinations, critics maintain that the government should provide adequate support to reduce the financial burden on families.

The debate over the proposed N50,000 WAEC and NECO fees continues to highlight concerns about affordability, equal access, and the need for better funding of Nigeria’s education system.

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