WAEC and NECO Registration Fees Suspension Sparks Atiku’s Fresh Challenge to Federal Government

WAEC and NECO Registration Fees Suspension has drawn praise from the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, who described the Federal Government’s decision as a victory for Nigerians. He argued that the government reversed the proposed fee increase only after intense public pressure from parents, students and civil society groups.

In a statement shared on his official page on Monday, July 13, 2026, Atiku said the WAEC and NECO registration fees suspension reflected the strength of citizens’ voices. He maintained that the earlier proposal would have imposed fresh financial hardship on families already struggling with rising living costs.

According to him, increasing examination fees would have widened educational inequality and denied many talented but underprivileged students access to higher education. He also warned that such a move could worsen Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.

“I welcome the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees. This reversal is a victory for the Nigerian people,” Atiku said.

However, he questioned why the government waited until widespread public criticism before abandoning the proposal. He argued that policies affecting millions of Nigerians should undergo broad consultation before implementation rather than after public backlash.

Furthermore, Atiku urged the Federal Government to work with education stakeholders to develop a sustainable funding model for WAEC and NECO. He insisted that such a framework should strengthen public examinations without shifting additional costs to parents and students.

He also called for greater engagement with stakeholders before introducing major public policies, saying wider consultations would produce better decisions and improve public confidence in government actions.