WAEC WARNS SCHOOLS AND SUPERVISORS AGAINST EXTORTION OF CANDIDATES
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a strong warning to schools, supervisors, and examination officials across Nigeria against the illegal collection of money from candidates participating in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to the Council, it has received several disturbing reports of candidates being forced to pay unauthorized fees under different excuses, including transportation of examination scripts, welfare packages for officials, and so-called "cooperation fees." WAEC also expressed concern over reports that some schools are demanding payment for KAPEK calculators, despite the fact that the calculators are provided free of charge by the Council.
WAEC described these practices as illegal, unethical, and capable of undermining the credibility and integrity of its examinations.
WAEC Condemns Illegal Charges
The examination body emphasized that no candidate or parent should be compelled to make any payment to supervisors, invigilators, or examination officials for any reason related to the conduct of the examination.
The Council stated that such acts amount to exploitation of candidates and are completely against its policies and regulations.
WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that examinations are conducted fairly, transparently, and without any form of financial exploitation.
Directives to Schools and Examination Officials
To address the issue, WAEC has directed all school proprietors, principals, supervisors, and invigilators to strictly comply with the following instructions:
- No money should be collected from candidates or their parents for examination officials.
- Any attempt at extortion should be reported immediately to the appropriate WAEC authorities.
- Candidates must not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, or any form of pressure during the examination process.
The Council also provided official channels through which complaints can be reported, including:
Sanctions for Defaulters
WAEC warned that any school or examination official found guilty of violating these directives will face severe disciplinary measures.
Possible sanctions include:
- Derecognition of the school
- Blacklisting of individuals involved
- Prosecution in accordance with the law
- Referral to relevant authorities for further disciplinary action
The Council stressed that it will not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone who compromises the integrity of its examinations.
Commitment to Examination Integrity
WAEC reiterated its dedication to protecting the credibility of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and ensuring that candidates are assessed in a fair and transparent environment.
The Council further assured stakeholders that it remains committed to safeguarding the future of Nigerian students by promoting ethical examination practices and eliminating all forms of exploitation.
Candidates, parents, and guardians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any unlawful demands or suspicious activities to the appropriate WAEC authorities.
By taking a firm stance against extortion, WAEC hopes to strengthen public confidence in its examination system and create a more conducive environment for candidates to perform at their best.