WAEC Threatens Schools, Supervisors Over Candidates’ Extortion

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has raised the alarm over the alleged extortion of candidates by some schools and examination supervisors in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

WAEC described the practice as illegal, unethical and capable of undermining the credibility of the examination.

The examination body, in a statement issued on Monday, said it had received reports that some candidates were being forced to pay unauthorised charges under different excuses.

According to WAEC, the charges were being demanded for items such as transportation of examination scripts, welfare packages and so-called “cooperation” fees.

WAEC said it was particularly disturbed by reports that some schools were also collecting money from candidates for KAPEK calculators already supplied free of charge by the council.

The council warned that such acts would not be tolerated, adding that schools and officials involved could face serious sanctions.

“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 said.

The examination body said all schools, supervisors and other officials connected with the conduct of the examination must desist from any form of illegal collection from candidates.

WAEC warned that any individual or institution found culpable would be sanctioned in line with its rules and relevant laws.

The council listed possible sanctions to include derecognition of schools, blacklisting of officials, prosecution and referral to appropriate authorities for disciplinary action.

It added that the integrity of WASSCE must be protected and urged parents, candidates and stakeholders to report cases of extortion or unethical conduct during the examination.

The council maintained that candidates should not be subjected to additional financial burden outside approved examination requirements.

Naija News reports that the warning came after WAEC earlier disclosed that the ongoing WASSCE had been affected by some operational and security challenges in parts of the country.

The council said some papers were delayed due to logistics difficulties, insecurity and other disruptions.

It also confirmed that three of its personnel died in a road accident while 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 said.

WAEC said the incident was a painful loss to the council and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased staff members.

The examination body added that prevailing security challenges, including protests linked to the abduction of schoolchildren in parts of the country, also affected the timely movement of examination materials.

WAEC, however, said emergency measures were activated to ensure that affected candidates were able to write the examinations.

The council assured candidates, parents and schools that it remained committed to the smooth conduct of the WASSCE despite the challenges.

It also appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with the council and avoid actions that could compromise the examination process or place candidates under unnecessary pressure.