Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has criticized the recent increase in fees for Federal Unity Colleges and the approval of a uniform ₦50,000 examination fee for WAEC and NECO candidates from 2027.

He called the move cruel and economically insensitive, arguing that Nigerian families are already struggling with inflation, rising living costs, and unemployment.

Atiku stressed that education is a right, not a privilege, and warned that higher fees would disproportionately affect poor and middle-income families, pushing more children out of school.

He urged the government to invest in public schools, recruit teachers, and expand tertiary institutions to ensure no child is denied education due to poverty.

The former VP highlighted how fee hikes create barriers for academically qualified but financially struggling students, threatening Nigeria's future by limiting access to higher education.He demanded immediate reversal of the fees and a dialogue on sustainable funding for public education.