Editorial
The proposed N50,000 fee for certificate reprints by NECO, if true, could have far-reaching and negative consequences for students, parents, and the overall educational system in Nigeria.
First and foremost, this policy will disproportionately affect students from low-income families, who may be unable to afford such a fee, effectively depriving them of their hard-earned academic achievements. The financial burden placed on parents, many of whom are already struggling to meet basic needs in the face of rising inflation and economic instability, is deeply unfair.
For a fee that surpasses the current minimum wage for civil servants, it becomes clear that this policy is out of touch with the realities faced by the average Nigerian. For parents who toil day and night to support their children’s education, such an exorbitant fee could potentially derail their plans, forcing some to forgo the reprint of their certificates, which are often critical for securing jobs or furthering education.
This would further widen the educational inequality in the country, leaving a significant portion of the population at a disadvantage. Moreover, the one-year limit for requesting a reprint is too restrictive, considering the many challenges candidates face after their exams, including financial and logistical issues.
The implementation of such rigid timelines, coupled with the high fee, would likely result in unnecessary hardship for students and their families. In light of these concerns, it is imperative that the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Education and other regulatory bodies, urgently wade into the matter. NECO’s policy must be reviewed with a focus on affordability and fairness.
The role of government institutions in education should be to facilitate access and promote opportunities for all citizens, not to create barriers that hinder progress. We call on the Federal Government, National Assembly, and civil society organizations to intervene and ensure that this policy is either significantly adjusted or scrapped altogether.
Fees for administrative services like certificate reprints should be reasonably priced, reflecting the economic circumstances of the citizens. Education is a fundamental right, and policies like this threaten to undermine the national goal of inclusive and equitable education for all.
Once again, if the report that candidates will be required to pay N50,000 for certificate reprints by NECO is true, then it raises serious concerns. Such a policy would not only hinder academic advancement but also place an unfair financial burden on parents, many of whom struggle daily just to provide basic necessities. Expecting families to afford an amount that exceeds the current minimum wage for civil servants is unrealistic and harsh.
Given the economic realities faced by many Nigerians, especially those in lower-income brackets, this fee is excessive and should be reviewed downward to a more affordable rate. Educational institutions should work to promote accessibility, not create obstacles. The call for periodic reviews of this policy should consider the financial struggles of the average Nigerian family. Education must remain a right, not a privilege for only those who can afford costly administrative fees.
