Nigerian Students Reject NECO’s N50,000 Certificate Reprint Fee, Demand Immediate Reversal

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly rejected the National Examination Council’s (NECO) newly introduced N50,000 fee for reprinting certificates. This policy was announced by NECO’s Registrar, Dantani Wushishi, in Minna, Niger State, on September 30, 2024, and has sparked widespread outrage among the student community.

According to NECO, the N50,000 reprint fee, which is subject to periodic review, only applies within one year of the original certificate’s issuance. However, NANS, through a statement issued by its Senate clerk, Abdulyekinn Odunayo, has described the decision as not only excessive but also as a sign of “education commercialisation.”

Odunayo voiced concern over the financial burden the policy places on students, noting that many are already grappling with severe economic challenges. “This draconian policy is a slap in the face of Nigerian students, already beset by financial hardships and uncertainty,” he remarked.

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NANS condemned the policy, warning that it would further widen inequality by preventing disadvantaged students from accessing their certificates. They argued that the fee structure undermines NECO’s credibility and commitment to making education accessible for all.

“The N50,000 fee is an unacceptable burden, especially in these times of economic struggle. This decision will worsen financial exclusion, deny students access to their certificates, and disproportionately impact the less privileged,” the statement continued.

The student body called for an immediate reversal of the fee, reduction to a more affordable amount, and extension of the certificate reprint request period to five years. NANS also demanded stakeholder involvement in future decisions to ensure student-friendly policies.

NANS reiterated its commitment to advocating for affordable and accessible education, stressing that they would not stand by while students face financial exploitation.