In a statement issued on Monday, Folasade Boriowo, director of press and public relations at the Ministry of Education, said the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated June 18, has been withdrawn to allow for wider consultations.
The ministry said the proposed review was informed by rising costs of conducting public examinations, including logistics, security, printing, technology deployment and quality assurance.
Tunji Alausa, minister of education, directed that the proposal be suspended in line with the federal government’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policymaking.
The ministry said it would engage examination bodies, state ministries of education, school proprietors, parents’ associations, organised labour and other education stakeholders before taking a final decision.
Key Points:
Families from low-income backgrounds are spared immediate financial burden.
Education costs remain a critical barrier to access and equity in Nigeria.
Public outcry demonstrates citizen power in shaping government policy outcomes.
Suspension signals government responsiveness to stakeholder concerns.
Timing of reversal, amid economic hardship, reinforces sensitivity to public sentiment.
The consultation process will determine the final fee structure, with stakeholders likely to push for affordable rates that balance quality and access.
