The presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has said the news of the suspension of the newly introduced examination fees is a victory for the Nigerian people.

"While I commend the authorities for listening to the widespread public outcry and suspending the policy, it must be said that the fee was an unnecessary burden that should never have been introduced at this time of great hardship, when we should be doing everything possible to invest in basic education and reduce the millions of out-of-school children in Nigeria," Obi said.

According to him, at a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, access to education should be expanded, not restricted. He described education as a fundamental right and a public good, not a source of government revenue.

He said imposing multiple fees at the basic education level risks denying many children their right to education.

"At that stage, the State has a duty to invest in educating and preparing its citizens for productive lives, not to erect financial barriers that keep them out of school.

"True leadership is demonstrated not only by making decisions but also by having the humility to reverse policies that impose unnecessary hardship on the people. Many other anti-people policies deserve similar reconsideration.

"I thank the citizens, parents, and advocacy groups whose voices made this reversal possible," Obi said.