WAEC Accuses Schools of Extorting WASSCE Candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has raised concerns regarding the extortion of candidates by schools and examination supervisors during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). In a statement issued on Monday, WAEC reported that candidates have been compelled to pay unauthorized charges under various pretexts, including transportation, examination scripts, welfare packages, and so-called cooperative fees.

WAEC emphasized that these payments are illegal and threaten the integrity of the examination process. The council warned that institutions found engaging in such practices risk sanctions, including derecognition, blacklisting, and prosecution.

WAEC also highlighted ongoing operational challenges, including delays due to security issues and a recent tragic road accident that claimed the lives of three personnel transporting sensitive examination materials. The council expressed condolences to the families of the deceased staff members and is taking measures to ensure the examination process is conducted smoothly despite these challenges.