- Peter Obi praises FG’s decision to suspend WAEC and NECO fee increase
- He says education should remain accessible to Nigerian families
- Obi urges government to reconsider policies that burden citizens
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the planned increase in registration charges for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Obi described the reversal as a positive outcome for Nigerians, especially families already facing financial difficulties.
The Federal Government had earlier announced the proposed adjustment in examination fees but later withdrew the directive issued on June 18, 2026, saying further consultations with stakeholders were necessary before reaching a final decision.
The Ministry of Education had attributed the planned increase to rising costs associated with conducting the examinations but suspended the move after concerns were raised by members of the public.
Reacting through a statement shared on his X account, Obi said the government’s decision showed the impact of citizens’ voices in shaping public policies.
He said the suspension would bring relief to many parents and students struggling with economic pressures.
The former Anambra State governor, however, argued that the proposed fee increase was ill-timed, noting that government should focus on making education more accessible rather than introducing additional financial challenges.
Obi stressed that education should be viewed as a long-term investment in the country’s future and not as a means of generating revenue.
He warned that higher examination costs could create more barriers for students and worsen the challenge of keeping children in school.
According to him, authorities should prioritise policies that encourage school attendance and support families, particularly as Nigeria continues to deal with a high number of out-of-school children.
Obi also urged the government to reconsider other policies that place additional pressure on citizens, saying responsible leadership requires the willingness to adjust decisions that negatively affect the public.
He praised parents, advocacy groups, civil society organisations and other Nigerians who spoke against the proposed increase, saying their actions contributed to the policy reversal
