The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has cautioned school officials, supervisors and invigilators against alleged extortion of candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), warning that offenders will face strict sanctions.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Public Affairs Department and signed by Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, WAEC said it had received reports of illegal charges imposed on candidates and parents under various pretexts.
The examination body listed some of the alleged infractions to include payments for transportation of examination scripts, welfare packages, and unauthorised “cooperation” fees demanded during the conduct of the examination.
WAEC also expressed concern over reports that some schools were charging candidates for KAPEK calculators already supplied free by the Council.
Describing the practices as “illegal, unethical, and a direct threat to the integrity of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination,” WAEC directed all school proprietors, principals, supervisors and invigilators to immediately stop all forms of unauthorised collections.
It stated that no payments should be demanded from candidates or parents for any examination-related official activity, warning that any violation would not be tolerated.
The Council further urged stakeholders to report cases of extortion through its zonal offices or official communication channels.
WAEC also warned against intimidation or harassment of candidates, adding that schools or officials found culpable risk sanctions including derecognition, blacklisting, prosecution, and referral to relevant authorities for disciplinary action.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining examination integrity, WAEC said it would continue to strengthen measures aimed at ensuring credible and smooth conduct of the ongoing WASSCE.
The Council noted that the 2026 May/June WASSCE, which began on April 21, is scheduled to end on June 19, 2026, despite earlier operational challenges linked to logistics and an accident involving its officials.
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