The Federal Ministry of Education is taking steps to address complaints that some schools are demanding examination fees above approved levels for the 2027 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination, according to the new Head of the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council, Suleiman Danlami Kum.
Kum raised the issue while inspecting the 2026 WASSCE for Private Candidates, Second Series. He said WAEC was aware of allegations that some schools were charging candidates more than the examination fee, even though the council had not yet released entries for the forthcoming school examination.
He said the ministry was examining the complaints and expressed confidence that action would be taken against arbitrary charges. The supplied account did not specify an approved fee schedule or identify individual schools accused of overcharging.
On the ongoing private-candidate examination, Kum said more than 56,000 people had registered nationwide, including approximately 272 walk-in candidates. He put participation in Lagos at more than 22,000.
The walk-in option, he explained, allows candidates to register for particular subjects after the main registration period, provided they do so before the relevant paper is administered.
Kum also defended the council’s adoption of computer-based testing, saying the transition, which began in 2024, had improved administration and helped limit opportunities for malpractice.
He described screening procedures at examination centres as preventive measures intended to stop candidates from bringing prohibited materials into halls. According to him, male candidates were searched by male officials and female candidates by female officials.
The WAEC official urged students to prepare properly and use past examination questions as study aids. He said the council would continue refining its processes while protecting the integrity of its examinations.
The reported fee complaints underscore the importance of transparent communication to parents and candidates about what WAEC charges and what, if anything, schools may legitimately collect for separate services.
