The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a stern warning to schools and supervisors regarding the extortion of candidates preparing for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The council emphasized that such practices are illegal and unethical.
WAEC Condemns Unauthorized Fees
WAEC spokesperson Moyosola F. Adesina stated that some supervisors and schools are demanding money from candidates under false pretenses, such as transportation of scripts, welfare packages, and unauthorized cooperation fees. Additionally, schools have been charging for KAPEK calculators, which WAEC provides free of charge to candidates.
Adesina described these actions as a direct threat to the integrity of the WASSCE and warned that offenders would face severe consequences.
Strict Directives for Schools
WAEC has ordered all school proprietors, principals, supervisors, and invigilators to comply with the following rules:
- No collection of money from candidates or parents for any examination official.
- Immediate reporting of any extortion attempt to the Zonal Coordinator or Branch Controller, or via email at publicaffairs@waec.org.ng or hnowaeclagos@yahoo.co.uk.
- No harassment or intimidation of candidates for refusing to pay unauthorized fees.
Schools or officials found violating these directives will face strict sanctions, including derecognition, blacklisting, prosecution, and referral to relevant authorities for disciplinary action.
WAEC Reverts to 48-Hour Material Distribution
In a related development, WAEC has reverted to its traditional 48-hour examination material distribution schedule after a 24-hour policy caused widespread delays. Candidates were forced to sit exams late into the evening due to late arrival of question papers at several centers.
Three WAEC officials lost their lives in a road accident in Gombe State while transporting examination materials during the compressed delivery period.
Additional WAEC Updates
WAEC has also launched a digital certificate platform in Nigeria and four other countries. The council introduced upgraded question serialization for computer-based tests, ensuring candidates receive different question arrangements. Over 1.9 million candidates have registered for the 2026 WASSCE under the computer-based format.
WAEC warned against malpractice syndicates and confirmed strict monitoring and prosecution measures during the exams.
