The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has warned schools, supervisors and other examination personnel against the extortion of candidates during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The warning covers money demanded under claims such as transportation of scripts, welfare packages, unauthorised "cooperation" fees and payment for KAPEK calculators already provided by the Council at no cost to candidates.
What Has WAEC Warned Schools And Supervisors About?
WAEC has received reports that some supervisors and schools have demanded money from candidates under different pretexts and the Council has stated that such conduct is illegal, unethical and harmful to the integrity of WASSCE.
The Council expects all persons involved in the examination process to protect candidates from pressure, harassment or intimidation.
Which Payments Are Covered By The Warning?
WAEC's warning covers any money requested from candidates or parents for examination officials, whether the payment is described as support, welfare, transport or "cooperation".
The notice also covers demands for payment for KAPEK calculators, since WAEC has already provided the calculators at no cost to candidates.
Examples covered by the warning include:
- Money requested for transportation of scripts
- Money requested for welfare packages
- Unauthorised "cooperation" fees
- Charges for KAPEK calculators supplied by WAEC
- Any payment demanded on behalf of an examination official
What Must School Owners, Principals And Examination Officials Do?
WAEC has directed school proprietors, principals, supervisors and invigilators to comply with its examination directives, as the Council has placed candidate protection and examination integrity at the centre of this warning.
They are expected to ensure that:
- Money is not collected from candidates or parents for any examination official
- Extortion attempts are reported at once to the proper WAEC office
- Candidates are not harassed or intimidated in any form
These directives apply to all schools and examination centres concerned with the conduct of WASSCE.
How Should Extortion Attempts Be Reported?
Any attempt to extort candidates should be reported immediately to the Zonal Coordinator or Branch Controller.
Reports may also be sent to WAEC through:
publicaffairs@waec.org.ng
hnowaeclagos@yahoo.co.uk
Parents, candidates and school representatives are expected to give clear details of the demand, the person involved and the centre concerned, where such details are available.
What Sanctions Will Be Applied?
WAEC has stated that schools or officials found violating the directives will face strict sanctions.
The sanctions may include:
- Derecognition
- Blacklisting
- Prosecution
- Referral to relevant authorities for disciplinary action
The Council has made clear that any conduct which threatens the integrity of WASSCE will be treated as a serious breach.
What Should Candidates And Parents Know?
Candidates and parents should treat any demand for money under the listed pretexts as an extortion attempt, especially where the demand relates to scripts, welfare arrangements, "cooperation" fees or KAPEK calculators.
A candidate who is asked to pay for a calculator already supplied by WAEC should not treat the request as an official WAEC charge.
Why Is WAEC Issuing This Warning?
WAEC has stated that extortion of candidates threatens the integrity of its examinations and places unfair pressure on Nigerian children preparing for WASSCE.
The Council has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its examinations and safeguarding the future of the Nigerian child.
