WAEC Raises Alarm Over Candidate Extortion, Warns Against Barriers to Children’s Right to Education
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has raised concerns over reports that some schools and examination supervisors are demanding unauthorized payments from candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The council warned that such practices place unnecessary pressure on students and could affect their access to education.
According to WAEC, some candidates have been asked to pay extra fees for services such as the transportation of examination scripts, welfare packages, and so-called “cooperation” charges. In some cases, schools reportedly collected money for KAPEK calculators that the council had already provided free of charge.
WAEC described these actions as illegal and unethical. The examination body stressed that students should not face additional financial burdens while pursuing their education. Access to examinations is an important part of a child’s learning journey and future development.
Furthermore, the council warned schools and supervisors involved in the practice to stop immediately. It noted that individuals or institutions found guilty could face serious penalties, including blacklisting, prosecution, and the withdrawal of recognition from affected schools.
Meanwhile, WAEC acknowledged several challenges encountered during the ongoing examination exercise. These included security concerns in some parts of the country and a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three staff members transporting sensitive examination materials.
The council also said protests linked to the abduction of schoolchildren affected the movement of examination materials in some areas. Despite these difficulties, emergency measures were introduced to ensure that candidates could sit for their examinations. WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of the examination process and supporting students’ right to education.
