The Federal Ministry of Education is taking steps to prevent schools from charging students excessive fees for the 2027 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has disclosed.
The newly appointed Head of WAEC’s National Office in Nigeria, Suleiman Danlami Kum, made this known on Saturday while speaking with journalists during an inspection of the ongoing 2026 WASSCE for Private Candidates, Second Series.
Kum said the council was aware that some schools had been charging students more than the approved examination fees ahead of the 2027 May/June WASSCE.
He, however, clarified that WAEC had not yet released the registration details for the forthcoming examination, assuring candidates and parents that the Federal Ministry of Education was working to address the situation.
According to him, the ministry is taking measures to check schools that arbitrarily increase examination fees and ensure that students are not subjected to unnecessary financial burdens.
Kum recently assumed office as WAEC’s National Office Head in Nigeria, succeeding Dr Amos Dangut, who was appointed Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the examination body.
Meanwhile, the WAEC official disclosed that more than 56,000 candidates registered for the 2026 WASSCE for Private Candidates, Second Series, across the country.
He added that approximately 272 candidates registered through the walk-in arrangement, which allows candidates to register for specific subjects after the main registration period has closed.
Kum further revealed that more than 22,000 candidates in Lagos State were participating in the examination.
He explained that the walk-in arrangement provides an opportunity for candidates seeking to improve their results in particular subjects to register and sit for the relevant examinations on scheduled dates.
Speaking on the conduct of the ongoing examination, Kum expressed satisfaction with the process and described computer-based testing (CBT) as an effective measure for strengthening examination security and reducing malpractice.
He noted that WAEC began introducing computer-based examinations in 2024 and had continued to improve the system to enhance the credibility and efficiency of its examinations.
“CBT has come to stay,” he said, stressing that the system had made examinations easier to administer while helping to minimise malpractice.
The WAEC official also explained that candidates were searched before entering examination halls to prevent them from bringing in prohibited materials.
He said male candidates were searched by male officials, while female candidates were searched by female officials.
According to him, the searches were intended to protect the integrity of the examination rather than target candidates who might unknowingly carry prohibited items into the examination halls.
Kum reaffirmed WAEC’s commitment to conducting credible examinations and adopting improved methods to strengthen its operations.
He also urged candidates preparing for examinations to study diligently and practise with WAEC past questions and answers to improve their performance.
