The Federal Government has increased the WAEC and NECO registration fee to N50,000 from 2027. The new fee replaces the previous N27,500 charge for candidates sitting the Senior School Certificate Examinations conducted by WAEC and NECO — FirstNigerian.com reports.
The Federal Ministry of Education announced the approval in a memo dated June 18, 2026. Director of Senior Secondary Education Adeniji Ibrahim signed the memo on behalf of the Minister of Education.
Why The WAEC And NECO Registration Fee Increased
The Federal Government raised the registration fee for the 2027 WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations to a uniform N50,000.
Previously, candidates paid N27,500 to register for the examinations.
The ministry will implement the revised fee from the 2027 examination cycle.
Who Will Pay The New N50,000 Examination Fee?
The new registration fee applies to candidates sitting the Senior School Certificate Examinations that WAEC and NECO will conduct from 2027.
The policy does not affect students who complete their registration before the implementation date.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has not announced any change to the timeline outlined in the ministry’s memo.
Atiku Criticises Fee Increase
Following the announcement, African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar criticised the increase and described it as “cruel” and “economically insensitive”.
In a statement, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said the increase comes at a time when many Nigerian families face inflation, higher food prices, rising transport costs, increased electricity tariffs and unemployment.
According to Atiku, the government should make education more accessible instead of increasing its cost.
He also said Nigeria already has millions of out-of-school children and argued that the higher examination fee could place additional financial pressure on low-income families.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does The New WAEC And NECO Fee Start?
The Federal Government will introduce the N50,000 registration fee for the 2027 Senior School Certificate Examinations.
How Much Was The Previous WAEC And NECO Registration Fee?
Candidates previously paid N27,500 to register for the examinations.
Who Approved The New Fee?
The Federal Ministry of Education approved the new fee and communicated the decision through a memo that Director of Senior Secondary Education Adeniji Ibrahim signed on behalf of the Minister of Education.
Has The Government Changed The Implementation Date?
No. The ministry still plans to implement the new registration fee from the 2027 examination cycle.
What Has Been The Political Reaction?
Atiku Abubakar criticised the decision, saying the increase could make access to education more difficult for some Nigerian families.
