Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees should mark a turning point in government’s approach to education, urging policymakers to prioritise access to learning over revenue generation.
Reacting to the policy reversal on Monday, Obi described the suspension as a welcome development but insisted that the charges ought not to have been introduced at a time when millions of Nigerians are battling severe economic hardship.
He argued that government should be concentrating on reducing the country’s out-of-school population instead of introducing financial obligations that could discourage children from remaining in school.
According to Obi, education is a fundamental right and one of the most critical investments any nation can make in its future, stressing that basic education should be accessible to every child regardless of economic background.
The former Anambra State governor warned that imposing multiple fees at the basic education level could widen inequality by shutting children from poor families out of the classroom.
He maintained that the primary responsibility of the state is to invest in developing its human capital rather than placing additional financial pressure on parents already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Obi also said the decision to suspend the fees demonstrated that governments strengthen public trust when they respond positively to legitimate concerns raised by citizens.
He called for a broader review of policies that have imposed hardship on Nigerians, arguing that governance should remain people-centred, particularly during difficult economic times.
The NDC presidential candidate commended parents, education advocates and civil society organisations whose sustained campaign against the examination charges contributed to the policy’s suspension.
He reiterated that expanding educational opportunities remains one of the surest pathways to reducing poverty, improving productivity and achieving sustainable national development.
The examination fee suspension followed widespread public opposition, with many stakeholders warning that the policy would further limit access to education for children from low-income households.