The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examinations Council (NECO) fees.

Obi, in a statement shared on his official X handle on Monday, said the suspension followed widespread public opposition to the policy, which he argued would have placed additional financial pressure on families struggling with economic challenges.

The former Anambra State governor said introducing higher examination fees at the basic education level would have created more barriers to learning at a time when the country should be working to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

“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,” Obi said.

He maintained that education should be treated as a fundamental right and public good rather than a means of generating revenue for government.

“At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, access to education should be expanded, not restricted. Education is a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue,” he stated.

Obi urged governments at all levels to prioritise investment in education and avoid policies that could discourage school enrolment.

He added that imposing additional fees at the basic education level could deny many children access to learning and urged leaders to reverse policies that place unnecessary burdens on citizens.

The former presidential candidate also commended parents, advocacy groups and Nigerians who opposed the fee increase, saying their concerns contributed to the government’s decision to suspend the policy.