The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a stern warning to school authorities, supervisors and invigilators involved in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), directing them to immediately stop collecting unauthorised fees from candidates and their parents.
In a statement released on Monday by the Council’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, WAEC said it had received several complaints alleging that some schools and examination officials were extorting candidates through various illegal charges, including fees for script transportation, welfare packages and so-called “cooperation” payments.
The examination body also disclosed that some schools had been charging students for KAPEK calculators despite the fact that the devices were already provided free of charge by the Council.
WAEC condemned the practice, describing it as illegal, unethical and capable of undermining the credibility of the examination process.
The Council stressed that no school, supervisor or examination official is authorised to demand money from candidates or parents on its behalf, warning that such actions would not be tolerated.
It directed all school proprietors, principals, supervisors and invigilators across the country to desist from any form of unauthorised collection of money and urged candidates, parents and other stakeholders to report incidents of extortion through its official communication channels or to zonal coordinators.
WAEC further warned against the intimidation or harassment of candidates during the examination period, noting that any school or official found guilty of misconduct would face severe sanctions.
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According to the Council, penalties may include derecognition of schools, blacklisting of officials, prosecution and referral to appropriate authorities for disciplinary action.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examinations, WAEC said it would continue to take measures aimed at protecting candidates and preserving public confidence in its assessment system.
The Council also assured stakeholders that efforts were ongoing to ensure the smooth conduct of the ongoing 2026 May/June WASSCE despite logistical challenges experienced during the examination period.
WAEC recently attributed delays recorded in some examination papers to operational difficulties, including transportation challenges and a fatal accident involving some of its officials.
The 2026 May/June WASSCE for school candidates commenced on April 21 and is scheduled to conclude on June 19, 2026.