Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations, describing the reversal as “a victory for the Nigerian people.” While commending the government for listening to public concerns, he argued that the proposal should never have been introduced in the first place.
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has applauded the Federal Government for reversing its proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
The opposition leader described the suspension as evidence that constructive public engagement can influence government decisions, while insisting that access to education must remain affordable for every Nigerian child.
Reacting shortly after the Ministry of Education announced the suspension of the proposed fee review, Obi said the decision offered relief to millions of parents already grappling with economic hardship.
He described the policy reversal as “a victory for the Nigerian people,” commending parents, education advocates, labour unions, civil society organisations and other citizens whose public opposition contributed to the government’s decision to suspend the proposal.
While welcoming the reversal, Obi maintained that the proposed increase should never have been contemplated given the country’s prevailing economic realities.
He argued that education should be treated as a national investment rather than an additional financial burden on struggling families, stressing that government policies should expand educational access instead of making it more difficult for children to remain in school.
Obi also noted that genuine leadership includes the willingness to reverse policies that impose avoidable hardship on citizens.
The Federal Government had earlier announced plans to raise the registration fees for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations before suspending the proposal following widespread criticism from parents, students, labour groups, civil society organisations and opposition figures.
The Ministry of Education said the policy was put on hold to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders before any final decision is reached.
Obi’s reaction adds to the growing number of voices welcoming the government’s decision to suspend the proposed examination fee increase. As consultations begin, attention is now focused on whether the Federal Government will develop a funding model that strengthens examination bodies without placing additional financial pressure on Nigerian families.