NANS Rejects Reported WAEC, NECO Fee Hike

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly rejected the reported upward review of registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), describing the move as insensitive and burdensome for millions of Nigerian students.  

In a statement issued by its leadership, NANS argued that increasing examination fees at a time when many families are grappling with economic hardship would further limit access to education for students from low-income households. The association called on the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately reverse the reported decision.  

The students’ body maintained that any policy affecting the academic future of millions of candidates should involve broad consultation with key stakeholders, including student representatives. It expressed concern that such a significant decision was reportedly taken without adequate engagement with the leadership of Nigerian students.  

NANS warned that higher registration costs could force many eligible candidates to postpone or forgo sitting for the examinations, thereby widening educational inequality across the country. It stressed that government policies should focus on making education more affordable rather than placing additional financial pressure on parents and guardians.  

The association urged the Federal Government, the Ministry of Education, WAEC, and NECO to prioritize the welfare of students by ensuring examination fees remain accessible to all Nigerians regardless of their economic background.  

NANS reaffirmed its commitment to defending the interests of Nigerian students and vowed to continue advocating for policies that promote affordable and inclusive access to quality education.