Kehinde Fajobi
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed the ₦50,000 fee introduced by the National Examination Council (NECO) for the reprinting of certificates.
In a recent statement issued by NECO’s Registrar, Dantani Wushishi, the new fee was announced in Minna, Niger State. According to the policy, the ₦50,000 charge for reprinting certificates will be reviewed periodically, with reprint requests only considered within one year of the original certificate’s issuance.
Reacting to the policy, NANS’ Clerk of the Senate, Comrade Abdulyekinn Odunayo, condemned the decision, describing it as both “outrageous” and an example of the commercialisation of education.
Odunayo stated that this fee imposes an unnecessary financial strain on students, especially at a time when many are grappling with economic challenges.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) unequivocally condemns the outrageous decision by the National Examination Council (NECO) to impose a ₦50,000 fee for certificate reprints. This draconian policy is a slap in the face of Nigerian students, already beset by financial hardships and uncertainty.”
He went on to emphasize that the current economic climate has made it difficult for many students to cope financially, and this policy raises serious questions about NECO’s dedication to promoting education.
“The ₦50,000 fee is an unacceptable burden on students, many of whom struggle to make ends meet. This fee will exacerbate financial exclusion, denying countless students access to their rightful certificates, perpetuate inequality, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged students and undermine the integrity of NECO, casting doubt on its commitment to education for all,” the statement continued.
NANS also pointed out the lack of transparency in NECO’s fee structure and policies, which it believes could lead to mismanagement of funds and poor service delivery.
In light of these concerns, the association reiterated its stance on ensuring education remains affordable, accessible, and of high quality.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students will not stand idly while education is commercialised and students are exploited. We demand an immediate reversal of the ₦50,000 fee, a reduction of the fee to a more affordable amount (not exceeding status quo), extension of the reprint request deadline to 5 years and a stakeholder engagement to ensure student-centric decision-making,” the statement concluded.