Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the proposed increase in WAEC and NECO registration fees.

In a statement posted on his official page on Sunday, Atiku described the reversal as a victory for Nigerians, noting that it followed widespread opposition from parents, students, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

He argued that the proposed fee hike would have placed an additional financial burden on families, increased educational inequality, and denied many indigent students access to quality education and opportunities for higher learning.

While commending the government’s decision, Atiku questioned why the policy was only reversed after intense public criticism, saying such measures should not have been introduced in the first place.

He also called on the Federal Government to work with relevant stakeholders to develop a sustainable funding model for WAEC and NECO without shifting the financial burden to parents and students. Atiku further urged the government to embrace broader stakeholder consultation before implementing policies that directly affect Nigerians.