Federal Government Approves ₦50,000 SSCE Registration Fee for WAEC and NECO from 2027

By Fact Harbour News

The Federal Ministry of Education has approved an increase in the registration fee for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Under the new approval, candidates registering for either examination will pay ₦50,000 beginning with the 2027 examination cycle.

According to the Ministry, the fee adjustment is intended to reflect the rising cost of conducting nationwide examinations, including expenses associated with logistics, security, technology, examination materials, and administrative operations.

Education stakeholders say the increase is one of the most significant adjustments to examination fees in recent years and is expected to have implications for parents, guardians, schools, and prospective candidates preparing for the 2027 SSCE.

While some education experts argue that the review may help examination bodies improve service delivery and maintain the quality of their operations, others have expressed concern over the potential financial burden on families, particularly those with multiple children in secondary school.

The Federal Ministry of Education has encouraged state governments, school proprietors, and relevant stakeholders to explore support measures that could assist economically disadvantaged students in meeting the new registration requirement.

WAEC and NECO are expected to issue detailed guidelines on the implementation of the approved fee, including the registration timetable and payment procedures for the 2027 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.

Further information is expected to be released by both examination bodies as preparations for the 2027 examination cycle progress.

Fact Harbour News will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates on policies affecting Nigeria’s education sector.