Kwara warns secondary school principals against extortion in 2026 WAEC registration

The Kwara State Government has warned principals of senior secondary schools across the state against imposing unauthorised charges on students during the registration for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, gave the warning on Tuesday during a monitoring visit to St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin, to mark the commencement of the registration exercise.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Rebecca Olanrewaju Bake, Olohungbebe reaffirmed the state government’s commitment under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to making quality education accessible and affordable for all students in Kwara.

“The state government will not tolerate any form of extortion, mismanagement, or misappropriation of students’ examination registration fees by school heads,” he said. “No student or parent should be burdened with any extra charge beyond the ministry’s approved fees.”

The Commissioner disclosed that the total approved registration fee for the 2026 WAEC examination is ₦30,500, which covers ₦27,000 for entry, ₦1,500 for e-registration, and ₦2,000 as administrative charges.

He directed principals to hold meetings with their Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs) to enlighten parents on the importance of early registration and the consequences of late submission of forms.

Olohungbebe further urged principals to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and transparency in handling registration funds, warning that anyone found guilty of irregularities would face strict disciplinary measures.

While commending the principals for their commitment to the education sector, the Commissioner expressed appreciation for their continuous support of government initiatives.

“Permit me to express my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication and efforts toward shaping the future of our children. Your role in sustaining academic excellence across our schools is deeply valued,” he stated.

Olohungbebe also reaffirmed the government’s determination to improve the education sector through school rehabilitation projects, the provision of learning materials, and improved teachers’ welfare.

Earlier, the Director of Curriculum and Assessment, Mr. Sulaiman Ajape, advised principals to conduct the registration exercise with honesty and professionalism.

In his remarks, the State President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Comrade Mohammed Baba Saliu, cautioned members against malpractice and urged full compliance with the ministry’s directives.

The meeting, attended by education directors, ministry officials, and principals from all 16 local government areas of the state, ended with a renewed commitment to uphold transparency and accountability in school administration.