The National Examinations Council (NECO) is currently facing a significant financial crisis due to various state governments failing to remit billions of naira in examination fees. Following the release of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) external results, it was revealed that states owe an estimated N2 billion for the current cycle alone.

NECO Registrar Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi has expressed concern that these outstanding debts are making it increasingly difficult for the council to manage logistics, pay examiners, and maintain essential infrastructure. This is not a new issue; historical data shows a pattern of consistent indebtedness, with states owing approximately N5.5 billion cumulatively between 2012 and 2023.

The financial strain is also impacting the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which has previously resorted to withholding student results from defaulting states. Experts suggest that the persistent failure of states to pay these fees—despite receiving increased federal allocations—reflects a lack of prioritization for education. Consequently, students often become the victims of this administrative neglect, facing delayed results and disruptions to their university admission processes.