12/07/2026
ADVOCACY STATEMENT
Keep NECO Registration Fees Affordable: Education Must Remain Accessible to Every Nigerian Child
The City Crown Relief Foundation (CCRF) expresses deep concern over the proposed increase in the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) registration fee from its current amount to ₦50,000 beginning in 2027.
While we recognize the importance of maintaining high standards in the administration of national examinations, we respectfully urge the Federal Government and the management of NECO to reconsider this proposed increase in light of the current economic realities facing millions of Nigerians.
Across the country, families are grappling with rising food prices, transportation costs, inflation, unemployment, and declining household incomes. For many parents and guardians, providing quality education for their children has become increasingly difficult. A significant increase in examination registration fees would further burden already struggling families and could deny thousands of qualified students the opportunity to complete their secondary education.
Education is a fundamental human right and one of the strongest foundations for national development, peace, and prosperity. Every Nigerian child, regardless of economic background, deserves an equal opportunity to sit for national examinations and pursue higher education or vocational training.
Why the Current NECO Registration Fee Should Be Retained
- To prevent financial hardship from denying children access to education.
- To reduce school dropout rates among students from low-income families.
- To promote equal educational opportunities for all Nigerian children.
- To support national efforts to reduce youth unemployment, crime, violent extremism, drug abuse, and other social vices by keeping young people in school.
- To strengthen human capital development and prepare a skilled workforce for Nigeria's future.
- To protect vulnerable children from child labour, street begging, and early marriage resulting from financial constraints.
- To encourage parents to keep their children in school despite the prevailing economic challenges.
- To reduce educational inequality between urban and rural communities.
- To demonstrate government's commitment to social protection and inclusive education.
- To advance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Rather than increasing examination fees, we encourage the government to explore sustainable alternatives, including increased budgetary support for education, improved operational efficiency within examination bodies, strategic public-private partnerships, and targeted subsidies for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Education should never become a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. Investing in affordable education is an investment in national security, economic growth, social stability, and sustainable development.
The City Crown Relief Foundation therefore respectfully calls on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Examinations Council (NECO), the National Assembly, state governments, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, parents, and all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the current NECO registration fee is maintained in the interest of Nigerian children and the future of our nation.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, graduate, and contribute meaningfully to society. No child should be denied that opportunity because of financial hardship.
Affordable Education Today, A Stronger Nigeria Tomorrow.