- Safiu Kehinde
The Ministry of Education has made a u-turn over its proposed review of the registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) as it suspended the plan.
This is coming after heavy backlash over the propozed hike in fees for he examinations.
As contained in a statement issued on Monday by the ministry’s Boriowo Folasade, the proposed review had been withdrawn with immediate effect.
The ministry acknowledged the public outcry over the proposed upward review of the price.
It however defended the planned hike, citing harsh economic realities as reason behind thw development.
“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public and appreciates the keen interest shown by Nigerians in matters relating to access to quality education.
“The proposed review was informed by the prevailing economic realities and the rising cost of conducting credible national examinations.
“The current examination registration fees have remained largely unchanged for several years despite significant increases in operational costs, including logistics, security, printing of examination materials, technology deployment, quality assurance and other essential services required to maintain the integrity and credibility of public examinations across the country.” Boriowo wrote.
The ministry’s spokesperson described the suspension, as directed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
“Nevertheless, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has directed that the proposal be placed on hold in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and evidence-based policymaking.
“This decision underscores the Ministry’s determination to ensure that policies affecting millions of Nigerian students and their families are carefully considered, socially responsive and reflect the collective interest of the nation.” She said.
As part of the fresh review process, Boriowo said the ministry will further engage extensively with examination bodies, State Ministries of Education, school proprietors and administrators, parents’ associations, organised labour, education stakeholders and other critical partners to ensure that any future decision is fair, sustainable, transparent and responsive to prevailing realities while safeguarding access to education.
Accordingly, the proposed review of examination registration fees will not take effect, as earlier communicated, pending the conclusion of the consultation process.