The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a strong warning to school owners, principals, supervisors and other examination officials over reported cases of extortion targeting candidates writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The examination body described the reported practices as unlawful, unethical and capable of undermining the credibility of the regional assessment.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Head of Public Affairs for WAEC Nigeria, Mrs Moyosola Adesina, the council said it had received and investigated multiple complaints of financial exploitation involving candidates.
According to WAEC, some school authorities and supervisors have been accused of compelling students to pay illegal charges under different labels, including “script transportation,” “welfare packages” for exam officials, and so-called “cooperation fees” allegedly tied to examination malpractice.
The council also expressed concern over reports that some schools are demanding payments for examination materials, including KAPEK scientific calculators, despite the fact that such items are provided free of charge by WAEC.
To address the situation, WAEC has directed all stakeholders in the examination process, including school proprietors, principals, invigilators and supervisors, to immediately desist from any form of extortion or illegal collection from candidates.
It further instructed that any such incidents should be reported to zonal coordinators or branch controllers, or forwarded via official emails provided by the council.
WAEC also warned against any form of intimidation or victimisation of students who refuse to make such payments, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated.
The council said it would intensify monitoring across examination centres nationwide to ensure strict compliance with its directives.
It added that any school or official found guilty of violating the rules would face severe consequences, including derecognition, blacklisting, prosecution, and disciplinary action through relevant authorities.
WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its examinations and ensuring a fair academic environment for all candidates across the region.