Extortion Scam Uncovered: WAEC Issues Stern Warning Over Exploitation of Candidates in WASSCE

The integrity of Nigeria's secondary education exit examinations has come under heavy scrutiny following a formal press release issued by the Head Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Yaba, Lagos. The statement, captured in document dated Monday, June 8, 2026, details a growing network of financial exploitation being run by corrupt school administrators and examination officials at the expense of vulnerable students and their parents.

According to the official circular signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola F. Adesina, the council has received credible and alarming intelligence regarding field supervisors and school executives extorting money from candidates under a variety of illegal pretexts. Investigators found that candidates were being forced to pay for "script transportation," illegal welfare packages for visiting officials, and hidden, institutionalized "cooperation fees" meant to facilitate malpractice.

​Furthermore, WAEC expressed deep concern over reports that certain schools are demanding illicit payments for KAPEK scientific calculators. The council explicitly clarified that these specialized mathematical devices are fully paid for and provided directly by WAEC at no additional cost to the candidates.

​Condemning these widespread racketeering practices as entirely illegal, unethical, and a direct threat to the core integrity of the ongoing WASSCE, the council has laid down an uncompromising three-point directive for all school proprietors, principals, supervisors, and invigilators:

​Absolute Financial Ban: Under no circumstances must any money be collected from candidates or their parents on behalf of any examination official.

​Mandatory Reporting: Any attempt or pressure to extort funds must be immediately reported to the council's regional coordinators or via the official public whistleblowing channels ([email protected] and [email protected]).

​Zero Intimidation: Any form of harassment, emotional blackmail, or psychological intimidation of students who refuse to pay these illicit fees must cease immediately.

​WAEC management has warned that any academic center, supervisor, or school official caught violating these directives will face immediate and severe disciplinary sanctions. Penalties outlined include the total derecognition and permanent blacklisting of offending schools, alongside the immediate handover of corrupt supervisors to national law enforcement agencies for criminal prosecution. The council reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the future of the Nigerian child and maintaining a clean, exploitation-free examination environment across all states.