Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi have welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), describing the move as a victory for Nigerians.
The Federal Government had earlier announced plans to review the examination fees but later put the proposal on hold following widespread criticism from parents, students, education stakeholders and civil society groups. It said the suspension would allow for broader consultations before any final decision is made.
Reacting to the development, Atiku said the government’s reversal highlighted a pattern of introducing policies without adequate consultation. He argued that governance should be guided by proper planning and engagement with stakeholders rather than implementing unpopular decisions only to withdraw them after public backlash.
Peter Obi also praised the suspension, calling it “a victory for the Nigerian people.” He commended the government for responding to public concerns but stressed that the priority should be increasing investment in education instead of placing additional financial burdens on families through higher examination fees.
The Ministry of Education stated that it would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school owners, parents’ associations, organised labour and other stakeholders to develop a fair, transparent and sustainable approach to examination fees that reflects current economic realities while protecting access to education.
