Respected Honorable Minister, Hon. Tahir Mamman
I pen down these words with a heart deeply concerned about the recent surge in the WAEC examination fees. As an ardent advocate for equitable and high-quality education, I wish to highlight the grave repercussions this hike will inflict upon Nigeria’s educational landscape and the already burdened parents and students across our nation.
This abrupt increment in the WAEC examination fee arrives at a tumultuous period when Nigerian families grapple with the severe aftermath of subsidy eliminations and the relentless surge in prices of essential commodities. Meeting basic necessities has become an arduous task, let alone sustaining the soaring costs associated with university education. The augmented fees for tertiary education have placed an overwhelming financial strain on families, and this recent escalation only compounds their challenges.
Only last year, the WAEC examination fee stood at ₦18,000. Yet, to our dismay, this figure has now ascended to ₦27,000, marking a substantial 33.3% escalation. This sudden spike is poised to escalate the number of secondary school dropouts countrywide. Nigeria already grapples with a significant predicament of out-of-school children, encompassing over 20% of our population.
The evident low income and socioeconomic status of parents significantly contribute to the obstruction of their children’s educational pursuits. The amplified examination fee intensifies an already dire situation.
Accessible and affordable education forms the cornerstone of a prosperous nation. It’s imperative to ensure our youth access quality education without imposing undue financial burdens on them and their families. Our pursuit should aim at narrowing the educational disparity and affording every child an equal platform to flourish.
I respectfully implore your intervention in engaging with all pertinent stakeholders and initiating requisite measures to rectify this issue. This action will not only alleviate the financial strain on parents but will also contribute profoundly to the enhancement of our educational system.
I hold steadfast hope that your actions will prevent further educational setbacks for our youth.
Warm regards,
TIJJANI ABDULLAHI SARKI
Executive Director
Responsive Citizens Initiative
responsivecitizensinitiative@gmail.com
