The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has warned schools, supervisors, and invigilators against the extortion of candidates sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), describing the practice as illegal, unethical, and detrimental to the integrity of its examinations.
In a statement issued by the Public Affairs Department and signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola F. Adesina, the Council said it had received disturbing reports of candidates being compelled to pay unauthorised fees under various pretexts.
According to WAEC, some supervisors and schools have allegedly been demanding money from candidates for the transportation of examination scripts, welfare packages, and so-called “cooperation” fees.
The Council also expressed concern over reports that some schools were charging candidates for KAPEK calculators, despite the fact that the calculators are provided free of charge by WAEC.
“WAEC has received alarming reports of supervisors and some schools extorting candidates under various pretexts, including transportation of scripts, welfare packages, and unauthorised ‘cooperation’ fees,” the statement read.
The examination body stressed that such practices undermine public confidence in the conduct of examinations and threaten efforts aimed at maintaining academic integrity.
Consequently, WAEC directed all school proprietors, principals, supervisors, and invigilators involved in the administration of its examinations to adhere strictly to its regulations.
Among the directives issued by the Council are a prohibition on the collection of money from candidates or their parents on behalf of examination officials and the immediate reporting of any extortion attempt to relevant WAEC authorities.
The Council also warned against any form of harassment or intimidation of candidates.
WAEC stated that individuals or institutions found culpable of violating the directives would face severe sanctions, including derecognition, blacklisting, prosecution, and referral to appropriate authorities for disciplinary action.
The Council urged candidates, parents, and members of the public to report incidents of extortion through designated channels, including its zonal coordinators, branch controllers, and official email addresses.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible examinations, WAEC stated that it would continue to take measures aimed at protecting the integrity of its assessment processes and safeguarding the educational future of Nigerian students.
“WAEC remains committed to protecting the integrity of its examinations and safeguarding the future of the Nigerian child,” the statement added.
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