The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has warned school owners, principals, supervisors, and other examination officials against extorting candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The examination body described the practice as unlawful, unethical, and detrimental to the credibility and integrity of its examinations across the region.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Head of the Public Affairs Department of WAEC Nigeria, Mrs. Moyosola Adesina, the Council disclosed that it had received several disturbing reports of students being subjected to various forms of financial exploitation during the examination period.
According to the Council, investigations revealed that some school authorities and examination officials have been collecting unauthorized payments from candidates under different labels. These include fees for the transportation of examination scripts, welfare contributions for refreshments and entertainment of examination personnel, as well as so-called cooperation fees allegedly intended to facilitate examination malpractice.
WAEC also expressed concern over reports that some schools are demanding payment for KAPEK scientific calculators and other examination materials. The Council clarified that the calculators are provided and fully funded by WAEC and should be distributed to candidates without any additional charges.
In response, WAEC has issued a strict directive to all stakeholders involved in the conduct of the examination, including proprietors, principals, supervisors, and invigilators, warning them to immediately desist from such practices.
The Council urged students, parents, and members of the public to promptly report any cases of extortion or attempted extortion to its Zonal Coordinators or Branch Controllers. Reports can also be submitted through the Council’s designated email channels.
WAEC further stressed that no school is permitted to intimidate, harass, punish, or victimize any candidate for refusing to pay unauthorized fees.
To ensure compliance with its directives, the Council announced that monitoring teams would be deployed nationwide to oversee examination centres and identify violations.
It warned that any school or official found engaging in extortion or related misconduct would face severe disciplinary measures, including derecognition of the school, blacklisting, prosecution, and referral to the appropriate authorities for further action.
WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the credibility of its examinations and ensuring that candidates can sit for their examinations in a fair, transparent, and supportive environment.
