The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has cautioned schools, supervisors, and invigilators against imposing unauthorized charges on candidates participating in the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
In a statement issued on Monday, June 8, 2026, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, disclosed that the Council had received multiple complaints from candidates and parents alleging that some examination officials and school authorities were demanding various unapproved payments during the conduct of the examination.
According to the Council, the reported charges range from fees for transporting examination materials and welfare packages for supervisors to other unofficial levies popularly described as “cooperation fees.” WAEC described the practice as unacceptable and warned that it poses a serious threat to the integrity and credibility of the examination process.
The Council also expressed concern over reports that some candidates were being compelled to pay for KAPEK calculators despite the fact that the calculators had already been supplied free of charge by WAEC. It stressed that no candidate should be required to make any additional payment for materials provided by the examination body.
Adesina said WAEC had directed all stakeholders involved in the administration of the examination to immediately stop collecting money from candidates or their parents for any unauthorized purpose. He further encouraged students and members of the public to report cases of extortion through the Council’s official communication channels to enable prompt investigation and necessary action.
WAEC warned that any school, supervisor, or invigilator found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary measures, including withdrawal of recognition, blacklisting, and possible prosecution in line with existing regulations.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity of public examinations, the Council assured candidates and parents that it would continue to closely monitor the conduct of the ongoing WASSCE. It also called on all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at ensuring a transparent, fair, and exploitation-free examination environment for candidates across the country.
