The Federal Government has approved a ₦50,000 uniform examination fee for candidates writing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The new fee will take effect from the 2027 examination cycle. The approval followed WAEC’s request for an upward review of examination charges.
Education Ministry announces new fee
In a statement dated June 18, the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Adeniji Ibrahim, said officials reached the decision after meeting with the Minister of Education and examination bodies.
According to him, the meeting took place on March 31, 2026. During the meeting, participants reviewed the cost of conducting the Senior School Certificate Examination.
“You may recall that at a meeting of examination bodies held with the honourable minister of education on 31 March, 2026, where the need for upward review of examination fees was discussed, the honourable minister directed that WAEC and NECO should adopt a uniform fee for the conduct of WAEC and NECO SSCE.”
As a result, the ministry approved a single examination fee for both examination bodies.
New fee begins in 2027
Ibrahim said the Minister of Education approved ₦50,000 as the new examination fee for each candidate.
“Consequently, I am directed to convey the honourable minister of education’s approval of the sum of fifty thousand naira (₦50,000.00) only, as the new examination fee per candidate, with effect from NECO SSCE (Internal), 2027.”
Furthermore, the ministry directed officials to communicate the decision to all relevant stakeholders ahead of implementation.
Ministry confirms approval
Meanwhile, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, confirmed the government’s approval of the fee review.
“I can confirm the approval of an upward review of the examination fees. I spoke with the director in charge a few minutes ago and he said the approval was done.”
What happens next?
The Federal Ministry of Education will notify schools, examination centres and other stakeholders before the 2027 examination cycle begins. Meanwhile, WAEC and NECO will implement the new uniform examination fee in line with the government’s directive.
