A civil society group, the Campaign for Equal Rights and Opportunities for All Nigerians (CERON), has criticized the Federal Government’s decision to increase registration fees for WAEC and NECO examinations to N50,000.
The new fee follows a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education approving the hike for candidates sitting the two national exams.
In a statement, CERON Secretary Francis Odiir described the move as “insensitive” amid worsening economic hardship across the country.
He said many families are already struggling with rising food prices, inflation, and the high cost of living, warning that the increase would place further financial pressure on parents.
“Parents are battling to feed their families and support their children’s education. Increasing exam fees at a time like this is unfair and adds to their burden,” Odiir said.
The group also warned that the policy could worsen Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, as more students may be forced to drop out due to rising education costs.
CERON urged the Federal Government to reverse the decision immediately, noting that the fee hike has already drawn criticism from parents, educators, and other stakeholders.
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