₦50,000 per candidate was approved for WAEC and NECO senior secondary certificate exams from 2027, replacing NECO’s ₦30,000 fee and WAEC’s ₦27,000 charge.
A June 18 ministry memo said the increase followed a March 31 meeting where the Education Ministry directed both exam bodies to adopt a uniform SSCE fee.
NECO was told to notify stakeholders ahead of the 2027 cycle, while the move has drawn backlash from parents and opposition figures over affordability.
NAPTAN said the hike could shut out many candidates, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar warned higher school-related costs may worsen Nigeria’s out-of-school-children problem.
States that currently pay candidates’ exam fees may also face heavier budget pressure, while students in states without such support could struggle to register.