PETER OBI HAILS FG’S SUSPENSION OF WASSCE, NECO FEE HIKE

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), describing it as “a victory for the Nigerian people.”

The Federal Government on Monday suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 WASSCE and NECO SSCE, withdrawing its June 18, 2026 letter on the planned adjustment to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the proposal was driven by rising operational costs but was put on hold following public concerns and in line with the government’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.

Reacting in a post on his X account on Monday, Obi commended the government for reversing the decision after widespread public opposition but maintained that the proposed increase should never have been introduced.

“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 wrote.

Obi argued that the proposed fee hike would have placed additional financial pressure on families already facing economic hardship and further limited access to education.

He added:

“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, when we should be doing everything possible to invest in basic education and reduce the millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria.”

The former Anambra State governor stressed that education should remain accessible to every Nigerian.

“At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, access to education should be expanded, not restricted.

“Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue,” the Labour Party presidential candidate said.

Obi also warned that imposing additional fees at the basic education level could discourage school enrolment.

He stated, “Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education. 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.”

He further urged governments to be willing to reverse policies that impose 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,” Obi noted.

He also thanked citizens, parents and advocacy groups whose opposition to the proposal contributed to the government’s decision.

“I thank the citizens, parents, and advocacy groups whose voices made this reversal possible,” he concluded.