MSSN Rejects Proposed SSCE Registration Fee Hike, Demands Immediate Reversal

 MSSN Rejects Proposed SSCE Registration Fee Hike, Demands Immediate Reversal

Abuja — The Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has strongly opposed the proposed increase in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) registration fee from ₦27,000 to ₦50,000, describing the move as insensitive, anti-student, and capable of worsening Nigeria's education crisis.

In a statement issued from its National Headquarters in Abuja, the Society warned that the proposed increment would place an unbearable financial burden on millions of Nigerian families already grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of living.

MSSN argued that the proposal contradicts ongoing government efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children, noting that increasing the cost of a critical public examination would only force more students out of the education system.

"It is both disturbing and contradictory that the same government which recently expressed concern over the alarming number of out-of-school children is now contemplating a policy capable of pushing even more students out of the classroom," the Society said.

The organisation maintained that education should be made more accessible and affordable rather than more expensive, stressing that many parents are already struggling to meet basic household needs.

According to MSSN, the proposed fee increase would deny thousands of academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students the opportunity to complete their secondary education and pursue higher learning.

The Society further described the proposal as a direct threat to the constitutional aspiration of ensuring equal access to education and a setback to national efforts aimed at reducing educational inequality.

"A nation that genuinely seeks development cannot continue to erect financial barriers against its young people," the statement added.

MSSN also called on its Area Units, Area Councils, and branches in secondary schools and higher institutions across the country to remain vigilant and lawfully mobilise against any policy that undermines students' access to affordable education.

The Society urged its members to engage relevant stakeholders, conduct peaceful advocacy, and raise public awareness about the potential consequences of the proposed increase.

Beyond its membership, MSSN appealed to parents, school administrators, civil society organisations, labour unions, religious bodies, student associations, and education advocates to reject the proposal and demand its immediate withdrawal.

The organisation also called on the Honourable Minister of Education, examination authorities, and other relevant stakeholders to address Nigerians on the matter and halt the proposed fee increase without delay.

According to the Society, government should instead prioritise policies that expand access to education, reduce the financial burden on families, and restore public confidence in Nigeria's education sector.

"The future of Nigeria depends on the education of its youth. Policies that make education unaffordable only deepen poverty, widen inequality, and undermine national development," MSSN stated.

The statement was jointly signed by the National Amir of MSSN, Engr. Tajudeen Mustapha Olumide, and the Society's 38th National Public Relations Officer, Mallam Moshood Abiola Olatunbi.