The Enugu State Ministry of Education has raised alarms over reported cases of fraudulent fee extortion by certain Private, Mission, and Public Schools in the state. Allegedly, these schools charge exorbitant fees for West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) registrations, causing undue financial hardship to parents and students.
According to the Ministry, the approved fee for WAEC registration in 2025 is N28,000, comprising N27,000 directly payable to WAEC and a N1,000 processing fee. Similarly, the NECO fee is set at N30,000, broken down as N27,000 for NECO registration, N500 for administrative charges, and N2,500 in processing fees. To ensure transparency, the Ministry has instructed schools and candidates to make payments directly to WAEC or NECO. While the WAEC registration process has already been concluded for approximately 40,000 candidates in Enugu State, NECO registration is ongoing.
Parents are strongly urged to report any instances of extortion related to fee collections to the Ministry of Education. In response, the Ministry has issued a strict directive to school proprietors and principals, warning that any confirmed cases of fraudulent fee extortion will attract severe penalties. Consequences include legal prosecution, dismissal from service, and revocation of the violating school’s provisional approval or operational license. Furthermore, schools found guilty are mandated to refund extorted fees immediately.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze L. Mbah, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting students and parents from exploitation. He emphasized that extortion undermines the integrity of the education system and assured stakeholders that the Ministry would enforce regulations to maintain accountability.
This decisive action highlights the Enugu State Government’s dedication to fostering a fair and transparent education system, prioritizing the welfare of students and families. Parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to safeguard their rights.