‘Education Is a Right, Not a Revenue Source’ – Peter Obi Reacts as FG Suspends WAEC, NECO Fee Hike

• Peter Obi has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed WAEC and NECO fee hike.

The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in registration fees for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations, describing the move as “a victory for the Nigerian people.”

Reacting in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, Obi commended the government for listening to public concerns but argued that the proposed fee increase should never have been introduced amid the country’s current economic hardship.

“While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship,” Obi said.

According to the former Anambra State governor, access to education should be expanded rather than restricted, especially when millions of Nigerian families are battling the rising cost of living.

“Education is a fundamental right and a public good. It should not be treated as a source of government revenue,” he stated.

Obi warned that imposing higher fees at the basic education level could deny many children the opportunity to complete their education.

“Imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education. The State has a duty to invest in educating its citizens, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school,” he added.

He also stressed that true leadership involves not only making decisions but having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on citizens.

“True leadership is demonstrated not only by making decisions but also by having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on the people. Many other anti-people policies deserve similar reconsideration,” Obi said.

The former governor thanked parents, education advocates, civil society organisations and Nigerians whose opposition to the proposed fee increase contributed to the government’s decision to suspend the policy.

The Federal Ministry of Education had earlier announced the withdrawal of its June 18 circular proposing an increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees from ₦27,500 to ₦50,000, saying wider consultations would be held before any final decision is taken.