Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has welcomed the Federal Government’s 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, describing the move as a victory for Nigerians.
The Federal Government on Monday withdrew its June 18, 2026 circular announcing the proposed fee hike, saying the decision was suspended to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders.
The Ministry of Education had cited rising operational costs as the reason for the proposed increase but reversed course after widespread public criticism, promising a more inclusive review process.
Reacting in a statement posted on his X account, Obi said the government’s decision would ease the burden on millions of families already grappling with economic hardship.
“I received the welcome news of the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees with relief. This is a victory for the Nigerian people,” he said.
While commending the government for listening to public concerns, the former Anambra State governor argued that the proposal should never have been introduced in the first place.
“I commend the authorities for responding to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy. However, the proposed fee increase was an unnecessary burden at a time when Nigerians are facing severe economic hardship. We should be investing more in basic education and reducing the number of out-of-school children, not making education less accessible,” Obi said.
He stressed that access to education should be expanded rather than restricted, especially as many households struggle to meet their basic needs.
“At a time when many families can barely make ends meet, education should become more accessible, not more expensive,” he added.
Obi also insisted that education must be treated as a public investment rather than a source of government revenue.
“Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a revenue-generating venture,” he said.
According to him, imposing additional financial obligations on students and their families risks worsening Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis by placing basic education further out of reach for many children.
“The responsibility of government is to educate and prepare young citizens for productive lives, not to create financial barriers that deny them that opportunity,” he stated.
The former governor urged the Federal Government to review other policies that have placed additional pressure on Nigerians, saying effective leadership also requires the willingness to reverse decisions that prove harmful.
“True leadership is not only about making decisions; it is also about having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on the people. Many other anti-people policies deserve similar reconsideration,” he said.
Obi also praised parents, civil society organisations and advocacy groups whose opposition to the proposed fee increase helped influence the government’s decision.
“I thank the citizens, parents and advocacy groups whose collective voices made this reversal possible,” he added.
