WAEC warns schools, examination officials against extorting WASSCE candidates
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has cautioned school owners, principals, supervisors, and invigilators against collecting unauthorized payments from candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The warning was issued in a statement on Monday by Moyosola Adesina, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, following reports that some examination officials and schools were demanding money from candidates under various pretexts.
According to the council, the alleged extortion involves charges for the transportation of examination scripts, welfare packages, and so-called “cooperation fees.” WAEC also noted that some schools have been requesting payment for KAPEK calculators, despite the calculators being supplied free of charge by the examination body.
Adesina described the practice as both unethical and illegal, stressing that it undermines the credibility and integrity of the examination process.
“WAEC has received disturbing reports of supervisors and some schools extorting candidates through unauthorized charges, including fees for script transportation, welfare arrangements, and cooperation,” the statement said.
The council directed school proprietors, principals, supervisors, and invigilators to immediately stop collecting money from candidates or their parents on behalf of examination officials.
WAEC further encouraged candidates and parents to report any incidents of extortion to the nearest zonal coordinator, branch controller, or through the council’s official email channels.
The examination body also warned against any form of harassment, intimidation, or victimisation of candidates during the conduct of the examinations.
Adesina stated that individuals and schools found guilty of violating the directive would face severe sanctions, including derecognition, blacklisting, prosecution, and referral to relevant authorities for disciplinary action.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the credibility of its examinations and protecting the interests of candidates across the country.
Earlier, Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC’s National Office, disclosed that 1,959,636 candidates from 24,207 schools registered for the 2026 WASSCE. Of the total number, 1,001,072 candidates (51.08 per cent) are female, while 958,564 (48.92 per cent) are male.
The 2026 WASSCE began on April 21 with practical examinations and is scheduled to conclude on June 19.
