The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has warned schools and supervisors to stop extorting money from WASSCE candidates, saying anyone caught would face derecognition, prosecution and blacklisting.
In a statement issued Monday in Lagos by its Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, WAEC said it received alarming reports of supervisors and school officials demanding illegal payments from students under various pretexts.
According to the Council, some schools charge candidates for transporting exam scripts, “welfare packages” for invigilators, and unauthorized cooperation fees.
WAEC also flagged cases where schools demand payment for KAPEK scientific calculators already supplied free by the Council.
“WAEC condemns these practices as illegal, unethical, and a direct threat to the integrity of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination,” Adesina stated.
The Council directed all school proprietors, principals, supervisors and invigilators to comply immediately saying they should not collect any money from candidates or parents for examination officials.
It also urged them to report any attempt at extortion to the Zonal Coordinator/Branch Controller, or email publicaffairs@waec.org.ng and hnowaeclagos@yahoo.co.uk.
WAEC also said Candidates must not be harassed or intimidated in any form.
WAEC said violators will face “strict sanctions” including withdrawal of school recognition, blacklisting of officials, prosecution, and referral to relevant authorities for disciplinary action.
“WAEC remains committed to protecting the integrity of its examinations and safeguarding the future of the Nigerian child,” the statement added.
