The Federal Government has approved a new examination fee of ₦50,000 for WAEC and NECO candidates from 2027, nearly doubling the current rates.This decision has sparked widespread criticism from students, opposition figures, and state governments.The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) called the increase insensitive, arguing it ignores rising living costs and inflation.Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the move as cruel, warning it would worsen Nigeria's out-of-school crisis.The fee hike comes amid record inflation and stagnant incomes, making secondary education harder for low-income families.Lagos State, which previously covered registration fees for public school students, now faces budget pressures.The ministry cited a March meeting with exam bodies but provided no detailed justification for the 2027 rate increase.

Critics argue the decision should have involved student representatives, as highlighted by NANS' statement: 'Anything for us, without us, is against us.'