WAEC raises alarm over illegal charges imposed on WASSCE candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has raised concerns over the increasing extortion of candidates by some schools and examination supervisors, describing the practice as illegal and a threat to the credibility of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In a statement issued on Monday, the examination body said it had received reports of candidates being compelled to pay unauthorized fees under various pretexts, including the transportation of examination materials, welfare packages, and so-called “cooperation” charges.

WAEC also accused some schools of collecting money from candidates for KAPEK calculators that had already been supplied free of charge by the council.

“WAEC has noted cases where schools demand payment for KAPEK calculators already provided by the Council at no cost to candidates. WAEC condemns these practices as illegal, unethical, and a direct threat to the integrity of the WASSCE,” the statement read.

The council warned schools and examination officials involved in such activities to desist immediately, stressing that offenders risk sanctions, including derecognition of schools, blacklisting, prosecution, and referral to relevant authorities for disciplinary action.

WAEC also recalled that the ongoing WASSCE has faced several operational challenges. It noted that some examination papers were delayed due to security and logistical difficulties, including a recent road accident that claimed the lives of three personnel transporting sensitive examination materials.

“Three of our dedicated personnel who were transporting sensitive examination materials interstate lost their lives in the tragic crash,” the council stated.

According to WAEC, prevailing security concerns, including protests linked to the abduction of schoolchildren in some parts of the country, also affected the timely distribution of examination materials.

The council said emergency measures were put in place to ensure the examinations were eventually conducted in the affected areas and extended condolences to the families of the deceased staff members.