The Federal Government has announced an increase in the cost of Nigeria’s senior secondary school exit examinations. WAEC and NECO fees have been raised from N25,000 to N50,000. For many families, the news has landed like a heavy blow.
A 27-year-old Nigerian man has since gone viral for “blowing hot” about what the increase means for the average household. His words cut straight to the reality of cost-of-living pressures in 2026.
From the Ministry of Education, remember schools will also add theirs,” he wrote. “It means government schools, just WAEC alone, will range from 70k-100k. Only WAEC. And private schools, 200k-500k.”
He compared it to his own experience: “During my days, 2014, WAEC/NECO together was 30k, meaning each 15k. Me and my sister sat together for it, paid by my dad — 60k.”
Using today’s numbers, he painted a grim picture. “If it’s today, in a government school, he will likely pay 200k for just one sitting for WAEC and NECO. If you have two kids writing together, that’s 400k in a government school, not private. Minimum wage, 70k. It’s over!!!”
His frustration reflects a wider fear: that secondary school certification is becoming unaffordable for working-class parents. With the new N50,000 base fee, plus school administrative charges, textbooks, and logistics, government school parents are now budgeting 70k-100k per child for WAEC alone. Private schools, he notes, can reach 200k-500k.
“I pity our generation. Only one head can’t carry a family anymore, let nobody motivate you. A man can’t raise a family alone unless you are very rich,” he added.
For context, Nigeria’s current minimum wage is N70,000 per month. That means one parent earning minimum wage would need to spend almost 3 months’ salary just to register two children for WAEC and NECO in a public school.
The post has sparked debate online about education access, wage stagnation, and the rising cost of living. For many Nigerians, the fee hike is not just about exams. It feels like another door closing for the poor…See More
Leave a Reply