Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has commended the Federal Government’s decision to suspend a newly introduced fee for national examination, describing the reversal as “a victory for the Nigerian people.”
In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, Obi said he received the news of the suspension “with relief,” while applauding the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry before reversing the policy.
He argued, however, that the fee should never have been introduced in the first place, particularly at a time of significant economic hardship in the country.
“While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship, when we should be doing everything possible to invest in basic education and reduce the millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria,” Obi said.
He said access to education should be expanded rather than restricted at a time when many families are struggling financially, insisting that education is “a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue.”
According to him, imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education, adding that the state has a duty to invest in preparing its citizens for productive lives rather than erecting barriers that keep them out of school.
He said the reversal was an example of true leadership, which he described as being demonstrated not only by making decisions, but also by having the humanity to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on citizens.
Obi added that many other policies he considers anti-people deserve similar reconsideration.
He thanked citizens, parents, and advocacy groups whose voices, he said, made the reversal possible.
Obi’s comment follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Government suspending the proposed review of registration fees for the 2027 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade had announced the suspension in a statement on Monday, saying the letter conveying the proposed fee adjustment, dated 18 June 2026, has been withdrawn to allow for a comprehensive review and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders before a final decision is taken.
“The Ministry acknowledges the concerns and constructive feedback received from the public and appreciates the keen interest shown by Nigerians in matters relating to access to quality education”, Boriowo said.
