The new fee structure, which takes effect from 2027, will see candidates pay N50,000 for the internal SSCE examination organised by both examination bodies.
The approval means NECO’s SSCE internal examination fee will rise from the current N30,000 per candidate to N50,000, while WAEC candidates will pay N50,000 instead of the existing N27,000 fee.
The examinations are mainly taken by students completing their Senior Secondary School education. While WAEC concluded its latest examination recently, NECO’s SSCE internal examination is still ongoing.
A memo approving the adjustment, dated June 18, 2026, was signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Adeniji Ibrahim, on behalf of the Minister of Education.
The document, which was sighted by Vanguard Newspaper and addressed to the Registrar of NECO, stated that the decision followed discussions between education stakeholders and the need to harmonise examination charges.
The memo read:
“Re: Upward review of registration fees for examinations conducted by NECO
“The West African Examinations Council has requested an upward review of the examination fees for the Senior School Certificate Examination for school candidates, with effect from 2027.
“You may recall that at a meeting of examination bodies held with the Honourable Minister of Education on 31st March, 2026, where the need for upward review of examination fee was discussed, the Honourable Minister of Education directed that the West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council should adopt a uniform fee for the conduct of WAEC and NECO SSCE.
“Consequently, I am directed to convey the Honourable Minister of Education’s approval of the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) only, as the new examination fee for candidates with effect from NECO SSCE internal 2027.
“You are to bring the content of this letter to all stakeholders.
“Please accept the Honourable Minister’s warm regards.”
Concerns Over Impact on Students and Parents
The increase has sparked concerns among parents, education stakeholders and state governments, particularly over the ability of some families to afford the new charges.
There are also fears that the adjustment could worsen the outstanding debts owed to examination bodies by some state governments that currently pay examination fees on behalf of students.
In states where governments do not provide financial support for candidates, some parents worry that the higher fees could prevent some students from registering for the examinations.
For many families already dealing with rising education costs, the increase could add further pressure as they prepare to cover school expenses, learning materials and examination-related charges.
Lagos Example Highlights Different Payment Arrangements
In Lagos State, the government currently pays the WAEC SSCE registration fees for eligible candidates, while many parents personally cover the cost of NECO registration for their children.
The new uniform fee arrangement may therefore affect families differently depending on the level of financial assistance provided by their respective state governments.
Education observers have continued to call for measures that will ensure that fee increases do not reduce access to secondary school certification examinations, which remain a key requirement for admission into higher institutions and employment opportunities.