The 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has lauded the Federal Government’s withdrawal of the proposed hike in registration fee for the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examination Council (NECO).
Atiku described the withdrawal as a welcome development and victory to millions of Nigerians.
The former Vice President, in a statement issued on his official X handle on Tuesday, also described the development as a vindication of his earlier warning against hike in fees of public examinations.
He however queried the Federal Government conceiving a policy which they know will generate public outrage and will eventually be withdrawn.
“I welcome the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees.
“This reversal is a victory for millions of Nigerian parents, students, civil society organisations, and all citizens who refused to remain silent in the face of an unjust policy.
“‘The government announced the suspension after widespread criticism of the proposed increase.
“This decision vindicates the concerns I expressed when I warned that pricing public examinations beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians would deepen educational inequality, worsen the out-of-school children crisis, and deny countless brilliant but indigent students the opportunity to pursue higher education.
“However, the question remains: why must this government always wait for public outrage before correcting policies that should never have been conceived in the first place? Governing is not a laboratory for reckless experimentation.” He wrote.
Atiku harped on the need to consult stakeholders before introducing policies.
He described the withdrawal of the policy review as a reflection of poor policy implementation.
“Sound governments consult before they decide, not after Nigerians have been subjected to needless anxiety and uncertainty. It is becoming a disturbing pattern.
“This administration announces harsh policies with little evidence of meaningful consultation, only to retreat when confronted by overwhelming public opposition.
“That is not responsive governance; it reflects poor policy formulation. The purpose of leadership is to anticipate the consequences of public policy before it is implemented.
“A government that repeatedly relies on public resistance to discover its mistakes is admitting, whether intentionally or not, that it is disconnected from the daily realities of its citizens.” The ex-vice presidents said.
Atiku held that the proposed examination fee hike would have erected yet another financial barrier for millions of Nigerian children whose families are already burdened by inflation, rising transportation costs, soaring electricity tariffs, and declining purchasing power.
He commended the parents, teachers, and other stakeholders for rejecting the proposal.
Atiku charged the FG to engage in thorough consultations with stakeholders.
“I commend parents, teachers, labour organisations, student groups, education stakeholders, and every patriotic Nigerian whose collective voice compelled this reconsideration. Democracy works best when citizens hold their government accountable.
“However, suspending this policy should not be the end of the conversation. The Federal Government must now engage stakeholders to develop a sustainable funding model for WAEC and NECO that strengthens these examination bodies without transferring the burden to struggling families.
“More importantly, this administration must abandon its growing habit of announcing anti-people policies first and listening later.
“Consultation is not a sign of weakness; it is the foundation of responsible governance.
“A government that listens only after Nigerians cry out is a government that has stopped listening to the people it was elected to serve.” He said.
Atiku however charged Nigerians to choose wisely in the forthcoming 2027 Presidential election.
“Thankfully, as the 2027 election approaches, Nigerians have a clear choice.
“They can choose an administration whose policies are too often driven by trial and error, or they can choose experienced leadership with a proven record in national governance.
“The lesson from this latest policy reversal is simple: a nation as important as Nigeria cannot be governed like a laboratory for endless experimentation.
“Nigerians deserve leadership that listens before it acts, consults before it decides, and gets it right the first time.” He wrote.