The West African Examinations Council (West African Examinations Council) has issued a strong warning to school proprietors, principals, supervisors, and invigilators against alleged extortion of candidates sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), saying offenders will face sanctions.
The council’s Head of National Office in Nigeria, Amos Dangut, disclosed that 1,959,636 candidates from 24,207 schools registered for the 2026 examination. He said 1,001,072 candidates, representing 51.08 percent, are female, while 958,564 candidates, representing 48.92 percent, are male.
The 2026 WASSCE began on April 21 with practical examinations and is scheduled to conclude on June 19.
In a statement issued on Monday, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, said the council had received reports alleging that some school officials and supervisors were demanding unauthorized payments from candidates under various pretexts.
According to her, the alleged charges include payments for the transportation of examination scripts, welfare-related levies, and so-called “cooperation fees.” She also noted complaints that some schools were demanding payment for KAPEK calculators already supplied free of charge by the council.
Adesina described the reported practices as illegal and unethical, warning that they undermine the credibility and integrity of the examination process.
She cautioned school administrators and examination officials to desist from collecting any form of payment from candidates or their parents on behalf of WAEC, adding that candidates and parents should promptly report any extortion attempts to the appropriate zonal coordinators, branch controllers, or via official communication channels.
The council also warned against any form of harassment or intimidation of candidates during the examination period.
It further stated that any schools or officials found culpable would face disciplinary measures, including derecognition, blacklisting, prosecution, and referral to relevant authorities.
WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its examinations and protecting the interests of candidates across Nigeria.
