The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed the Federal Ministry of Education’s approval of an upward review of the registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), describing the decision as insensitive to the current economic realities facing Nigerians.
In a press release dated July 11, 2026, and signed by its President, Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (Babtee), the association expressed concern over reports that the registration fees for both examinations have been increased to ₦50,000 each, a development it said would place an unbearable financial burden on students and their families.
NANS argued that the fee increase comes at a time when many Nigerians are already struggling with the effects of ongoing economic reforms, stressing that government policies should focus on making education more accessible rather than more expensive.
The association further criticised the Federal Ministry of Education for allegedly approving the review without consulting the leadership of Nigerian students, insisting that decisions affecting millions of students should not be made without stakeholder engagement.
According to NANS, if implemented, the increase could discourage students from low-income families from registering for the examinations, thereby limiting access to education.
The student body called on the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately reverse the proposed fee increase and urged the Ministry, WAEC, and NECO to engage relevant stakeholders before taking decisions that directly affect students.
NANS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian students and stated that it would continue to advocate for policies that promote affordable and accessible education across the country.