Atiku Welcomes FG’s Suspension of WAEC, NECO Fee Increase

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the move as a positive response to public concerns, noting that the suspension would provide relief to many Nigerian families already grappling with economic hardship.

The former presidential candidate, however, criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a recurring pattern of introducing policies without adequate consultation with stakeholders and the public.

According to Atiku, governments should engage citizens before announcing decisions that directly affect their welfare, particularly in critical sectors such as education.

He argued that the initial proposal to increase examination fees would have placed additional financial pressure on parents and guardians struggling with the rising cost of living.

Atiku urged the Federal Government to adopt a more inclusive approach to policymaking by consulting relevant stakeholders before implementing major reforms.

He also called on the government to prioritise policies that expand access to quality education rather than creating additional financial barriers for students.

The Federal Government had earlier announced the suspension of the planned fee increase for WAEC and NECO examinations following widespread public criticism over the proposal.