Parents Question Variation in WAEC and NECO Registration Fees in Rivers State

Parents across Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State are raising concerns over what they describe as inconsistent fees charged by secondary schools for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and the National Examinations Council registration.

Findings across some secondary schools expose disparities that have left parents with unanswered questions. Many parents say they are being asked to pay far more than officially approved costs, with little or no explanation from school authorities.

Our correspondent who spoke to some parents in Bonny Island revealed that some schools charge between ₦25,000 and ₦35,000 for Junior WAEC or Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration.

For the West African Senior School Certificate Examination or Senior WAEC examination, parents report being charged ₦50,000 to over ₦100,000, particularly where WAEC and NECO registrations are combined.

They say the fees vary in government and even among private schools, raising questions about regulation and fairness.

At the Finima Girls’ Secondary School, a government-owned school, investigations reveal that the school reportedly collects ₦10,000 for forms, while WAEC registration fee is not charged to students.

This appears to align with government claims that WAEC fees are fully funded for students in public schools. 

While some parents say the lack of uniformity has created confusion and left them helpless, others say they have no issues with the cost and disparity, as long as their children pass the examinations.

“She’s taking WAEC and NECO and we paid a total sum of 95,000…I think I’m okay by that provided she makes her result,” a father said.

Attempts to get clarification from school administrators and education officials were unsuccessful, as they declined comment.

According to official figures from the NECO website, BECE registration fee costs ₦13,595 per candidate, with an additional N5,000 for late registration. For the NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), the fee is N30,000 per candidate, with an additional N5,000 for late registration. Senior WAEC registration fee in Nigeria is currently ₦27,000.

Parents argue that these figures make the higher charges imposed by some schools difficult to justify. With exams drawing closer, parents are urging the Rivers State Government, the Ministry of Education, and relevant agencies to clarify approved registration fees, investigate alleged overcharging, and enforce transparency across public and private schools.

For many families, the issue goes beyond money. It is about trust, fairness, and the right of every child to access education without hidden financial barriers.

Listen to a cross section of parents sharing their concerns below: