Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has enthusiastically welcomed the Federal Government’s recent 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. He lauded the government’s move, characterising it as a “victory for the Nigerian people.”
The Proposed Hike and Widespread Opposition
The controversial fee hike, which would have seen examination registration costs surge significantly from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000, had ignited widespread condemnation across the nation. Parents, education stakeholders, and advocacy groups had voiced strong concerns that such an increase would severely restrict access to crucial secondary education, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Obi Commends Reversal, Criticises Initial Policy
Obi conveyed his sentiments via a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, shortly after the Federal Ministry of Education announced the policy’s suspension. While commending the authorities for their responsiveness to public outcry, he also offered a sharp critique of the initial proposition.
“While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship,” Obi stated. He further argued that during a period of severe economic strain for many Nigerian families, the government should be prioritising investment in basic education and working to reduce the alarming number of out-of-school children, rather than erecting financial barriers.
He vehemently maintained that education is a fundamental right and a public good, asserting that it should not be viewed or treated as a mere source of government revenue. “Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education,” he cautioned. “At that stage, the State has a duty to invest in educating and preparing its citizens for productive lives, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school.”
Leadership and Policy Reversal
The former Anambra State governor highlighted that effective leadership extends beyond just making policy decisions; it also encompasses the humility and willingness to reverse policies that impose undue hardship on citizens. “True leadership is demonstrated not only by making decisions but also by having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on the people. Many other anti-people policies deserve similar reconsideration,” he remarked.
Government Pledges Wider Consultations
Earlier on Monday, information from the Federal Ministry of Education confirmed the withdrawal of its June 18, 2026, circular concerning the proposed examination fee adjustments. In an official statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, it was clarified that the suspension aims to allow for broader consultations with relevant stakeholders before any definitive decision is reached. The ministry emphasised that this reflects the Federal Government’s dedication to inclusive, transparent, and evidence-based policymaking.
Obi also extended his gratitude to the collective efforts of parents, education advocates, civil society organisations, and other concerned Nigerians whose unified opposition played a crucial role in influencing the government’s decision to suspend the contentious policy. The reversal is widely seen as a testament to the power of public advocacy in shaping governmental policies.