Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government over its handling of the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO examination registration fees, describing the policy reversal as evidence of poor governance.
Reacting to the government’s decision to suspend the proposed fee hike, Atiku said the move was welcome but argued that the policy should not have been introduced without first consulting key stakeholders.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the proposed increase would have placed additional financial pressure on families already battling inflation, rising transport costs, higher electricity tariffs and declining purchasing power.
He maintained that education should remain affordable and accessible to every Nigerian child.
The former vice president commended parents, teachers, labour unions, student groups and civil society organisations whose opposition, he said, prompted the government to suspend the proposal.
Atiku urged the Federal Government to develop a sustainable funding model for WAEC and NECO without transferring the financial burden to parents.
He also called for evidence-based policymaking anchored on consultation and dialogue, saying governments should engage citizens before introducing major policies rather than reversing them after public backlash.
The Federal Government recently suspended the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations, saying it would consult examination bodies, state governments, school owners, parents and organised labour before taking any further decision.
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