The debate over the Federal Government’s decision to increase WAEC and NECO examination fees has continued to gather momentum, but 2027 presidential hopeful, Omoyele Sowore, believes the conversation should not even exist.
According to the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, no Nigerian child should ever be forced to pay to write a public examination. In his view, access to education is a right—not a service that should depend on the size of a parent’s wallet.
Sowore made the declaration while unveiling what he described as part of his education agenda for the 2027 general election, promising to abolish examination fees for students if elected president.
‘No Child Will Pay To Write Public Exams’
In a series of posts shared on his social media pages, the former presidential candidate said an AAC-led government would remove financial barriers preventing students from completing their education.
He insisted that candidates sitting for examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), and other public examination bodies would no longer be required to pay registration fees.
According to Sowore, quality education should be guaranteed by the government because it remains one of the strongest tools for national development.
“A #Sowore2027 administration will never ask your children or wards to pay to sit for public examinations.
“Education will be free because education is not a privilege; it is the bedrock of national progress and the foundation of a prosperous society.”
He maintained that no student’s future should be determined by poverty or the inability of parents to afford examination fees.
Sowore Unveils Education Blueprint
Expanding on his proposal, Sowore said his administration would pursue free education from the early years through university level if elected.
He disclosed that the proposed policy would go beyond waiving examination fees to include better funding for schools, improved learning facilities, teacher welfare, virtual education, and student support programmes.
According to him, the vision is to build an education system where every Nigerian child has equal opportunities regardless of economic background.
He wrote: “No government under a #Sowore2027 administration will ever ask your child to pay WAEC, NECO, or any other public examination fee. Education will be free because knowledge is a right, not a privilege.
“Our revolutionary education policy guarantees free, high-quality education from early childhood through university, backed by modern classrooms, virtual learning, well-paid teachers, student grants, and equal opportunities for every Nigerian child.
“This is not a promise of politics. It is a revolutionary commitment to build a nation where no child’s future is determined by poverty.”
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The activist also urged Nigerians to study the proposal, debate it and support what he described as a movement for educational reform.
Promise Comes Amid WAEC, NECO Fee Hike
Sowore’s promise comes against the backdrop of widespread criticism that followed the Federal Government’s approval of a sharp increase in registration fees for WAEC and NECO Senior School Certificate Examinations.
Beginning from 2027, candidates are expected to pay a uniform fee of ₦50,000, representing an increase of about 82 per cent from the current ₦27,500.
The fee review has generated concerns among parents, education stakeholders, school owners and opposition politicians, many of whom fear it could prevent thousands of students from low-income families from completing their secondary education.
While the Federal Ministry of Education defended the increase, citing rising operational costs, logistics, security, technology and examination administration expenses, critics argue that the decision shifts the financial burden onto already struggling households amid Nigeria’s difficult economic climate.
Sowore’s latest pledge now adds another dimension to the growing debate over access to education as political parties begin unveiling their agendas ahead of the 2027 presidential election.