Tinubu's 2000 WAEC Decision Revealed
President Bola Tinubu recently suspended a planned increase in WAEC and NECO fees for 2027, but historical records show that in 2000, as governor of Lagos State, he refused to pay for WAEC examinations due to a fee hike and instead opted for the cheaper NECO. This move affected all public secondary school candidates in the state that year.
A report by PM News, archived by Archivi.ng, detailed how Tinubu's administration led a mass switch from WAEC to NECO. The report stated: "The West African Examination Council (WAEC) may have lost all the candidates for the May/June 2000 Senior Secondary School Examinations to the newly-established National Examination Council (NECO)."
Cost Difference Drove Decision
According to the archived report, WAEC charged approximately ₦2,020 per candidate, while NECO charged ₦1,000 — about 50% lower. Since the Lagos State government was paying for all public school students, it "pitched tent with NECO." Private schools soon followed, rushing to meet NECO's registration deadline.
The report noted that many private schools that had already obtained WAEC forms returned them to register with NECO instead. Head teachers who spoke anonymously confirmed the decision was purely due to lower fees. WAEC extended its closing date, but most schools had already shifted.
Federal Government's Role
The Federal Government had established NECO to conduct examinations for Nigerian senior secondary students, while WAEC continued serving the West African region. Tinubu's choice in 2000 reflected a cost-saving measure that aligned with the government's broader policy of supporting the new national examination body.
In 2026, Tinubu — now President — suspended a planned review that would have set a uniform fee of N50,000 per candidate for both WAEC and NECO. The suspension followed public outcry. Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, welcomed the reversal, criticizing the administration for announcing harsh policies without consulting Nigerians. He urged the government to develop sustainable funding for exam bodies without burdening families.
Historical Context
Tinubu served as Lagos State governor from 1999 to 2007, and throughout his tenure, the state government paid for SSCE candidates. However, 2000 was the only year he refused to pay for WAEC, opting entirely for NECO due to the price difference. This episode highlights how examination fees have long been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with governments balancing costs and access.
