The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has cautioned school administrators, supervisors and invigilators against collecting unauthorised fees from candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
In a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, the examination body expressed concern over reports that some schools and examination officials were demanding money from candidates and their parents for various purposes, including transportation of examination materials, welfare packages and other so-called cooperation fees.
WAEC also disclosed that some schools had been charging students for KAPEK calculators despite the fact that the devices were supplied free of charge by the Council.
The examination body described the practice as unethical and detrimental to the credibility of the examination process. It directed all school proprietors, principals, supervisors and invigilators to immediately stop any form of unauthorised collection of money from candidates or their parents.
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According to WAEC, no payments should be demanded on behalf of examination officials under any circumstance. The Council encouraged students, parents and other stakeholders to report cases of extortion through its official communication channels or to designated zonal coordinators.
WAEC further warned against the intimidation or harassment of candidates, stressing that any school or official found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate sanctions. Such penalties may include derecognition of schools, blacklisting, prosecution and referral to relevant authorities for disciplinary measures.
The Council reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining examination integrity and ensuring the smooth conduct of the 2026 WASSCE, which began on April 21 and is expected to conclude on June 19.
