The Federal Government has suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), following widespread public reactions and calls for broader consultations.

The decision was announced on Monday in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.

According to the ministry, the earlier communication dated June 18, 2026, which conveyed the proposed adjustment in examination registration fees, has been officially withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review of the proposal.

Boriowo explained that the suspension followed concerns and constructive feedback from members of the public regarding the planned increase. She noted that the ministry would now engage relevant stakeholders before arriving at a final decision.

She said the proposed fee review was initially prompted by prevailing economic realities and the increasing cost of conducting credible national examinations. These include rising expenses associated with logistics, security, printing of examination materials, deployment of technology, quality assurance, and other essential operational services.

The statement quoted the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as directing that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.

As part of the review process, the ministry said it would consult with examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, and other critical stakeholders in the education sector.

The ministry stressed that the proposed increase in examination registration fees will not take effect until the consultation process has been concluded and a final decision is reached.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the education sector, the ministry stated that the welfare of students, equitable access to quality education, and responsible policy decisions remain central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

It also appreciated Nigerians for their understanding, patience and continued support, assuring the public that updates would be provided as consultations progress.

Nigeria’s First Lady and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT Experience Centre at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, describing the facility as a strategic investment in digital education, innovation and youth empowerment.

The ICT centre, which was facilitated through her Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with Tetfund was part of efforts to expand access to technology and digital opportunities for young Nigerians.

Dignitaries at the event include, Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, his Ondo State Counterpart, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele among others.

Speaking while commissioning the ICT centre, Senator Tinubu said the facility would provide students and other beneficiaries with the skills and tools required to thrive in the digital economy and compete favorably in the global digital stage.

Stressing the importance of equipping young people with relevant technological knowledge to enhance innovation, entrepreneurship and national development, the First Lady noted that the ICT Experience Centre represents another milestone in the Renewed Hope Initiative’s interventions aimed at empowering women, youths and students across the country.

She expressed confidence that the facility would serve as a hub for learning, creativity and technological advancement within the university community and beyond.

“I’m really happy to be in Ekiti, this is part of the programme that the Tinubu administration is rendering in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative which I chair, and Tetfund, we were able to give this center to you and I pray that more will come to the state. We have done a lot of work in Ekiti State though the office of the First Lady”, the First Lady asserted.

Earlier in their separate remarks, the Chancellor of the University, Dr Tunji Olowolafe and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Babatola Ayodele, expressed profound gratitude to the First Lady for facilitating the project. They described the centre as a valuable addition to the state’s educational infrastructure and a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development.

They maintained that the facility would significantly enhance digital learning, research and innovation and pledged to make effective use of the centre in advancing academic excellence and technological development at the university.

The Ekiti State Commissioner for Education , Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, has urged students to embrace values that promote positive development, active citizenship and responsible leadership as essential ingredients for building a better society and sustaining good governance.

Aderiye gave the charge during the 2026 Children’s Day Symposium organised by the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, where students from selected secondary schools across the state deliberated on the theme: “Child Development and Good Governance.”

The symposium featured presentations from representatives of various schools, including Adebisi Elizabeth of Corpus Christi College, Ilawe-Ekiti; John Jasper of Daglore Model College, Ikole-Ekiti; Ale Oluwademilade of Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti; Chukwuka Favour of St. Mary’s Girls Grammar School, Ikole-Ekiti; Alayande Oreoluwa of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti; and Faboyede Fisayo of Alamoye Comprehensive High School, Aramoko-Ekiti.

The students, in their presentations, described child development and good governance as inseparable, noting that child development represents “good governance translated into action and policies.”

They explained that good governance entails responsible leadership that guarantees protection, quality education, healthcare, nutrition, accountability and improved living standards for citizens.

The students also acknowledged their roles in nation-building, stressing the need for children to support government efforts by protecting public property, obeying laws, maintaining order and becoming responsible citizens.

Aderiye, who monitored the competition, commended the students for their intellectual depth, confidence and understanding of governance and societal values.

She encouraged them to shun fear and self-doubt, reminding them that greatness resides in every child willing to dream, learn and lead responsibly.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Bayode Ogunmola, described children as the foundation of every progressive society.

According to him, investment in children’s education, welfare and moral upbringing remains a top priority of government.

Ogunmola said the symposium was designed to equip children with the knowledge, confidence and values required to become responsible leaders, patriotic citizens and future change-makers.

In their remarks ,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs Adetoun Agboola, and the Director-General, Civic Orientation and Citizenship, also commended the administration of Gov. Biodun Oyebanji for placing children at the centre of governance through policies and programmes promoting inclusive education, improved access to quality learning and enhanced healthcare services.

The commissioner later presented cash prizes to participating speakers and other contributors in recognition of their outstanding performances at the symposium.