WAEC WARNS AGAINST ARBITRARY CHARGES AS PARENTS PREPARE FOR 2027 EXAMINATION

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reportedly raised concerns about arbitrary charges imposed on students preparing for the 2027 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination. The development was reported on October 17 following remarks attributed to WAEC’s Head of National Office in Nigeria, Suleiman Danlami Kum. According to the report, Kum said the Federal Ministry of Education was taking steps to address complaints that some schools were charging candidates excessive amounts for examination registration. He also reportedly said WAEC had not yet released the entry details for the 2027 May/June examination. The issue is important for parents and students preparing for the next examination cycle, especially as education expenses remain a financial burden for many families. The concerns about school charges come after the Federal Government suspended a proposed review of the registration fees for the 2027 WAEC and NECO examinations in July. In an official statement dated July 13, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation explained that the proposed fee adjustment had been withdrawn to allow broader consultations. The ministry said the proposed review would not take effect pending the conclusion of the consultation process. That earlier decision is important because it means the proposed adjustment should not automatically be treated as an approved new examination fee. Parents should therefore avoid relying on unverified figures circulating on social media or assuming that every amount charged by a school represents an official WAEC registration fee. Examination-related payments can involve registration and other school-imposed expenses, making it important for parents to understand what each charge covers. Schools should provide clear explanations of the fees they request, while parents can seek clarification from school authorities and the relevant examination bodies where charges appear unreasonable. Candidates should also wait for WAEC’s official 2027 examination entry details before relying on newly circulated registration figures. The issue highlights the importance of transparent school billing and clear communication between examination authorities, schools and families.