FG Raises WAEC & NECO Registration Fees Nationwide

 

Federal Government Approves Uniform Registration Fee for Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations

The Federal Government has announced a significant increase in the registration fees for the two major Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) in Nigeria—WAEC and NECO.

According to the announcement, the registration fee for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has increased from ₦27,000 to ₦50,000, while the National Examinations Council (NECO) registration fee has also been adjusted from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000.

The Federal Ministry of Education explained that the adjustment is aimed at introducing a uniform registration fee for both examination bodies.

New Registration Fees

Examination Body| Previous Fee| New Fee

WAEC SSCE| ₦27,000| ₦50,000

NECO SSCE| ₦30,000| ₦50,000

This represents one of the most notable increases in SSCE registration costs in recent years.

Why the Increase?

According to the Ministry of Education, the primary reason for the review is to harmonize the registration fees for both WAEC and NECO, ensuring that candidates pay the same amount regardless of the examination body they choose.

Government officials believe that adopting a uniform fee structure will simplify the registration process and promote consistency across the country's senior secondary examinations.

What This Means for Students and Parents

The new fee means that candidates preparing for either WAEC or NECO should plan for a registration cost of ₦50,000.

For many families, the increase may place additional financial pressure, especially where multiple children are preparing for the examinations. Students are therefore encouraged to begin making financial preparations early to avoid missing registration deadlines.

Schools are also expected to inform parents and candidates about the revised fee and provide guidance on the registration process.

Advice to Candidates

Candidates intending to register for the upcoming SSCE examinations should:

- Confirm the approved registration fee with their school or examination centre.

- Register only through authorized channels.

- Avoid late registration, as it may attract additional charges.

- Keep all payment receipts and registration documents safely.

The increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees marks an important policy change in Nigeria's education sector. While the government says the adjustment is intended to standardize examination costs, many stakeholders will be watching closely to see how it affects students, schools, and access to secondary school certification.

Candidates are advised to stay updated through official announcements from the examination bodies and the Federal Ministry of Education for further details regarding the implementation of the new fee structure.