MONROVIA – The Head of National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mr. Dale Gbotoe, has issued a stern warning to parents, students, and schools across Liberia, cautioning against the payment of so-called “flexibility fees” and the practice of student camping in preparation for the upcoming regional exams.
Mr. Gbotoe made the remarks in an exclusive interview as Liberia prepares for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which is scheduled to run from May 15 to June 10, 2025. According to him, WAEC has no policy or arrangement involving flexibility fees, and any such demand is fraudulent.
“WAEC does not collect flexibility fees,” Mr. Gbotoe emphasized. “We are advising parents and students not to pay money to anyone claiming to represent WAEC or suggesting they can offer help during the exams. These are scammers enriching themselves under false pretences.”
He encouraged students to report individuals who attempt to solicit such fees, assuring that his office will take swift action against perpetrators once alerted.
The WAEC boss also condemned the growing trend of students going on exam camps, where candidates reportedly spend nights in selected locations in anticipation of leaked answers. He called this practice “sad” and “a major threat to the integrity of the examination process.”
“Any school found to be involved in camping will have its students’ results cancelled. We don’t want students’ efforts wasted, so we are calling on all candidates to avoid such behavior,” Mr. Gbotoe warned.
Parents, too, were urged to play their part by preventing their children from leaving home under the guise of attending exam camps.
Unlike previous years, Mr. Gbotoe revealed that this year’s exams will be more standardized and secure. All candidates will write the same subjects at the same time, though with different sets of questions. “Not everything that glitters is gold,” he said, advising students to trust in their own preparation rather than shortcuts.
The WAEC chief further disclosed a planned reduction in the number of proctors for the exams and criticized some invigilators for contributing to past exam failures. He accused some of aiding malpractice by supplying wrong answers or allowing unauthorized materials into exam halls.
“Proctors are assigned to monitor exams and ensure integrity—not to do the opposite,” he noted. He urged all proctors to adhere strictly to their terms of reference and uphold professionalism throughout the exam period.
A total of 53,201 students from 1,048 high schools nationwide are expected to sit the WASSCE. Mr. Gbotoe expressed confidence in the preparedness of the national testing body, assuring the public that all logistical and administrative arrangements are nearing completion.
He concluded by encouraging all candidates to remain confident and rely solely on their own efforts. “You don’t need shortcuts to succeed,” he said. “Trust your preparation and do your best.”
