WAEC Warns Against Extortion of Candidates During Exams

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a warning to schools and examination supervisors regarding the extortion of candidates during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). In a statement released on Monday by the Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, WAEC condemned the practice of demanding payments from candidates' parents under various pretexts, describing it as illegal and unethical.

The council has identified cases where schools charged candidates for services already provided free of charge by the examination body. WAEC has directed school proprietors, principals, and supervisors to cease any unauthorized collection of money from candidates or their parents, stating that no money should be collected from candidates.

The council has warned that any school officials found guilty of extortion will face sanctions, including derecognition, blacklisting, and prosecution. WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination process and ensuring a smooth conduct of the examinations, which are scheduled to run from April 21 to June 19, 2026.