By MILLICENT IFEANYICHUKWU

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has warned schools and supervisors against extorting candidates through unauthorised charges, describing the practice as unethical and illegal.

The council said this in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Affairs Department, signed by Mrs Moyosola Adesina, Head of Public Affairs, WAEC, Yaba.

WAEC said reports revealed instances where candidates were compelled to pay money under various pretexts, including script transportation, welfare packages and administrative fees.

The council also expressed concern over schools demanding payment for KAPEK calculators, noting that the materials were supplied free of charge to candidates nationwide.

According to WAEC, such practices undermine the credibility of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and threaten public confidence in educational assessments.

The council directed proprietors, principals, supervisors and invigilators to desist immediately from collecting money from candidates or parents on behalf of examination officials.

It urged the public to report extortion attempts to designated Zonal Coordinators, Branch Controllers or through official communication channels provided nationwide.

The council stressed that candidates must not be subjected to harassment, intimidation or coercion before, during or after examinations.

“Immediate reports of any extortion attempt should be made to the Zonal Coordinator or Branch Controller, or via publicaffairs@waec.org.ng and hnowaeclagos@yahoo.co.uk.

“No harassment or intimidation of candidates in any form will be tolerated,” it stated.

WAEC warned that offenders risked severe sanctions, including derecognition, blacklisting, prosecution and referral to relevant authorities, while reaffirming its commitment to examination integrity. (NAN)