The Federal Government has suspended the recently approved increase in registration fees for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), following widespread criticism from parents, students, education stakeholders, and civil society groups.

The suspension comes just days after the government approved a significant 82% hike, raising the uniform fee to ₦50,000 per candidate effective from the 2027 examination cycle. The decision to reverse the hike was announced on Monday amid mounting pressure over the potential impact on access to education for millions of Nigerian students, particularly from low-income families.

The fee increase, which was contained in a June 18, 2026 memo from the Federal Ministry of Education, had sparked immediate outrage. It raised WAEC fees from approximately ₦27,000–₦27,500 and NECO fees from ₦30,000 to the new flat rate of ₦50,000. Critics argued that the adjustment would place additional financial burdens on households already grappling with economic hardships and could lead to lower enrolment or increased examination malpractice.

Several groups, including education advocacy organisations, swiftly rejected the hike and called for its immediate reversal, highlighting concerns over state governments’ ability to continue subsidising exams and the ripple effects on secondary education completion rates.

A source at the Ministry of Education confirmed the suspension, stating that the government is committed to ensuring education remains accessible. “The welfare of Nigerian students and the need to address public concerns have been prioritised,” the source said.

Parents and guardians have welcomed the development. Many took to social media to express relief, with calls for a more sustainable funding model for examination bodies that does not rely heavily on direct fees from candidates.

WAEC and NECO officials are yet to issue official statements on the suspension, but stakeholders expect further consultations to find a balanced approach to addressing rising operational costs without compromising equity in education.

This marks a significant policy U-turn by the Federal Government in response to public sentiment. Further details on the next steps for examination fees are expected in the coming days.

•From left Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac, Mr Isaac Alabura (father of the slain officer)

Mr Isaac Alabura, the father of Lt. Felix Ademe Isaac, the 28-year-old Nigerian Army officer who died during an operation to rescue abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State, has described his late son as “the hope of the family and the community.”

The young officer was killed while leading troops during the rescue operation that secured the victims’ freedom on July 10, 2026.

Born on August 25, 1997, Lt. Isaac was buried with full military honours at the 23rd Armoured Brigade Cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State, on July 10, 2026.

Alabura spoke to journalists at his residence in Bachure Quarters, Yola, on Sunday.

The retired Master Warrant Officer, said that the family remained devastated by the tragedy as they looked forward to seeing him rise through the military ranks before his life was cut short.

“It is natural to feel pain whenever you lose someone, even if it is an enemy. How much more brilliant, young officer whom our family and community looked up to? His life was cut short at a time we expected him to achieve greater things,” he said.

Alabura also expressed disappointment over how news of his son’s death reached the family, saying neither the military authorities nor the Oyo State Government had officially briefed them on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He, however, commended four serving and retired senior military officers who, according to him, ensured that his son’s body was released and brought to Yola for burial despite attempts by some persons to have him buried in Oyo State

LAGOS, July 12, 2026 — Alumni of the 1996 graduating class of Oshodi High School (OHS), Oshodi, Lagos, have commenced preparations for their 30th anniversary celebration, scheduled to hold on October 1, 2026.

The event, themed “OHS ’96 Set 30 Years Homecoming & Reunion,” will take place at Sherof Hall and is expected to bring together members of the class from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

In a statement issued by the alumni executive committee, the organisers described the reunion as a milestone celebration and an opportunity for former classmates to reconnect after three decades.

“It has been a remarkable 30 years since we graduated from Oshodi High School, Oshodi. Over the decades, each of us has grown, achieved and become who we are today,” the statement said.

The committee noted that the reunion is designed to enable members to relive cherished memories, renew old friendships, strengthen professional and business networks, and celebrate God’s faithfulness throughout their individual and collective journeys.

According to the organisers, the anniversary will also serve as an avenue to reflect on the values instilled by the school and the impact they have had on the lives and careers of members over the past three decades.

The event is expected to feature networking sessions, entertainment, the recognition of distinguished alumni, and other activities aimed at strengthening the bond among members of the 1996 graduating class.

The executive committee urged all members of the set to attend the reunion and contribute to making the celebration a memorable and historic occasion.