WAEC DAY – The West African Examinations Council

WAEC Annual Council Meeting Ends In Monrovia

public relations — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:34:48 +0000

The 73 rd Annual Council Meeting of The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has ended in Monrovia, Liberia with the election of Liberia’s Chief

Government Nominee on Council, Honourable Amos Armah Fully, as ViceChairman for a one-year tenure. He succeeds Mr. Edward Kpakra of Sierra Leone.

The meeting, which was held from Monday, 17 th to Friday, 21 st March 2025, was declared open by His Excellency, Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr., President of the

Republic of Liberia.

In a keynote address, President Boakai congratulated WAEC on its 73 rd anniversary and stated that this 73rd-year journey of the Council is a

testament to the resilience of the educational systems in the sub-regionand the commitment of its educators in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

He noted that WAEC has been at the forefront of educational assessment in West Africa for more than half a century, ensuring that students receive credible and

standardized examinations. He added that the Council has played very well its part in providing a framework that allows for transparency, accountability, and fairness

in assessing academic achievements across the region.

The President stressed that WAEC has also been instrumental in, facilitating a common curriculum, ensuring quality assurance, and promoting regional integration,

and urged that it should recognize the urgency and importance of creating inclusive examination policies and practices. He stated further that it is essential that the

Council design testing environments that are accessible to students with disabilities, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to showcase their skills and earn the

qualifications they deserve.

In her speech, the Honourable Minister of Education, Liberia, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, noted that the Annual Council Meeting “brings together key

stakeholders from WAEC member countries to discuss critical issues affecting the development and administration of the Council’s examinations”.

According to her, Liberia remains committed to strengthening the collaboration between WAEC and the respective member governments. She

urged that “as we deliberate on matters that will shape the future of education in West Africa, let us reaffirm our dedication to ensuring the credibility,

accessibility, and effectiveness of WAEC’s examinations”.

At the formal opening of the meeting, Council honoured three Ghanaian candidateswith the WAEC International Excellence Award for their outstanding performance

in WASSCE for School Candidates, 2024. They were Master David Nii Commey Ankrah, (1st Prize), Master Henschel Tabi Frempong-Manso, (2nd Prize), and Master

Benedict Ofori Debrah (3rd Prize). The three candidates were selected from 2,455,063 who sat the examination in The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and

Sierra Leone. The Augustus Bandele Oyediran Award for the Best Candidate in West Africa, 2024 also went to Master David Nii Commey Ankrah.

On the same August occasion, the prestigious award of Distinguished Friend of Council was conferred on an eminent citizen of Liberia – Mrs. Hawah Sharon Goll

Kotchi – for her outstanding contributions towards the achievement of the Council’s objectives.

Council, which is WAEC’s governing board, holds its meeting yearly in rotation among the five member countries, namely: The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria,

and Sierra Leone. The 72 nd Meeting was hosted in Freetown, in 2024 by the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and by the invitation of Ghana’s

delegation, the 74 th edition will be hosted by the Government of Ghana in

March 2026.

The meeting which lasted for a week, was attended by delegates from all the member countries. They included nominees of the governments, representatives of

ministries/departments of education, universities, secondary schools, and other interest groups. The meeting b e g a n with the 30th in the series of the Council’s

Annual Endowment Fund Lectures entitled, “Digital Transformation in Education: To AI or Not to AI”, delivered by the President of Cuttington

University, Liberia – Dr. Romelle Alexzyn Horton.

In the course of the meeting, Council received reports on WAEC’s operations in the preceding year as well as information on educational programmes and

developments in the five member countries. Council also ratified the decisions 3 of its various committees taken in the previous year and considered action

points from the national offices that can strategically position them to meet the yearnings and aspirations of stakeholders in their respective domains.

Council received with acclamation the Registrar’s Annual Report for the Period April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, and a report from the Research Department of

WAEC and stressed the need for more collaboration in the dissemination of the research reports so that policymakers can access the information necessary for the

development of policies relevant to the improvement of education in the sub-region.

At the end of the week-long meeting, the Chairman of Council, Prof. Thomas B. R. Yormah, expressed appreciation to the Government and good people of Liberia for

the wonderful hospitality accorded the delegates and for doing everything necessary to ensure the success of the meeting.

WAEC Appoints New Chairman

public relations — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 16:17:11 +0000

PROFILE OF PROF. THOMAS BRIMA RICK YORMAH
This eminent and erudite scholar from the Republic of Sierra Leone was born on Sunday, September 3, 1950. He received his formal education from different institutions at home and abroad where he acquired various qualifications, including a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Chemistry from the University of Sierra Leone, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
He is a member of several professional bodies and networks, which include a Regular Associate, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (Trieste, Italy), and the New York Academy of Sciences among others.
His work career, like his education, happened in the United Kingdom and his home country, Sierra Leone. He worked as a Research/Teaching Assistant at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, and as a Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Professor at the Fourah Bay College and the University of Sierra Leone.
He was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Fourah Bay College, Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Sierra Leone, Chairman of the University of Sierra Leone Court Sub-Committee on World University Rankings, and Chairman, United Methodist University Development Committee, Sierra Leone Annual Conference. He was a Consultant Soil Scientist to the ESCaPP Project for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Benin Republic. He is currently the Executive Director, Sierra Leone Standards Bureau.
He is very passionate about education and has been a keynote Speaker at various educational forums globally, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria in 1994, International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy in 1995, UNESCO & International Bureau of Education, Geneva, Switzerland in 2001, etc. He has authored several books and contributed chapters to several others. He has to his credit many articles in reputable international journals, several conference papers, and numerous contributions to international conferences, workshops, and seminars.
On the home front, he successfully worked with the Multilateral Projects Division of the Sierra Leone Ministry of Finance to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Fourah Bay College. His leadership inspired the College to win the All Works of Life (AWOL) Award as the Academic Institution of the Year in 2009. He initiated the programme of compulsory Computer, Information, and Technology Literacy Module that has helped to equip graduates of the College with the knowledge of ICT. In addition, being a visionary, he introduced a special module on entrepreneurship for graduating students of the College as part of capacity building for self-employment. Currently, in Sierra Leone, he is championing the promotion of standards-informed quality to trade-related social and economic development as per the ISO 9001 requirements.
This educationist’s association with The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) started when he was appointed the Examiner for WAEC A ‘Level’ Chemistry in 1974. He rendered this service for more than a decade. He was appointed by the Government
of the Republic of Sierra Leone as a Nominee and was elected as a Representative from the University on Council between 2001 and 2011 when, by virtue of his position, he became a member of various committees of Council at both national and international levels. He interacted extensively with the Chairman, Registrar, Council Members, and staff of the organisation and made positive contributions at meetings, bringing out novel ideas and perspectives on issues. He was an advocate for WAEC in Sierra Leone, advancing the Council’s interest and supporting its activities. He used his position, connection, and influence to ensure that the government of Sierra Leone made efforts to offset its outstanding financial obligations to WAEC.
At the 72nd Annual Council Meeting held in March 2024, this renowned educationist, Prof. Thomas Brima Rick Yormah, was elected by acclamation as the 21st Chairman of WAEC for a three-year tenure (2024-2027), in line with the Council’s Convention.
Prof. Yormah is married, and the union is blessed with children.

Celebrating customer service week: WAEC Expresses Gratitude to Valued Stakeholders

Webmaster — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:56:45 +0000

Last week, The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) celebrated Customer Service Week with great enthusiasm and appreciation for its valued stakeholders. This special occasion provided an opportunity for the organization to engage with its customers and express gratitude for their unwavering support and partnership.

Customer Service Week, celebrated globally during the first week of October, is a time to recognize and honor the individuals and organizations that make a significant difference in the success of any institution. WAEC understands the pivotal role its customers play in the education sector across West Africa, and thus, the week was dedicated to acknowledging their contributions.

Throughout the week, WAEC actively engaged with its customers, including educational institutions, teachers, students, and parents. The organization hosted various events and activities to strengthen its relationships and gather valuable feedback. From interactive webinars to informative workshops, WAEC provided a platform for its customers to voice their opinions, share their experiences, and contribute to the improvement of educational services.

One of the highlights of the week was the “WAEC celebrates Customer Service Week” campaign, during which WAEC staff and customers joined forces to take pictures that symbolized the spirit of collaboration and partnership. These photos captured the smiles, enthusiasm, and shared dedication to quality education that characterizes the relationship between WAEC and its stakeholders.

In addition to celebrating the occasion, WAEC also used Customer Service Week as an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to excellence in the field of education. The organization pledged to continue delivering reliable and transparent examination services that meet the needs and expectations of its customers.

As the week came to a close, WAEC expressed its heartfelt appreciation to all its customers for their continued trust and support. Their dedication to educational excellence serves as the driving force behind WAEC’s mission to facilitate access to quality education and promote regional integration in West Africa.

Customer Service Week at WAEC was not just a momentary celebration but a reaffirmation of the organization’s dedication to serving its stakeholders with excellence. As the weeks and months ahead unfold, WAEC looks forward to building upon the relationships fostered during this special week and continuing to provide valuable educational services to the West African region.

PROF. ATO ESSUMAN INDUCTED INTO OFFICE

Webmaster — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:00:15 +0000

Prof. Ato Essuman has been inducted into office as the 20^th Chairman of Council. The ceremony was held on Friday, 26^th March, 2021 as part of the activities for the 69^th Annual Council Meeting. Prof. Essuman succeeds Mr. Baboucarr Bouy from The Gambia. The Chief Government Nominee from Ghana, Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa will serve as Vice-Chairman for a one-year term.

Prof. Ato Essuman is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Entrepreneurship at the Methodist University College, Ghana. He was the Chief Director at the Ministry of Education from 2005 to 2009. Before becoming the Chief Director, he had held various positions at the Ministry, including the position of Director, Funds and Procurement Management Unit (FPMU), and Coordinator, Development Partners (Donors).

Prof. A. Essuman’s association with WAEC when he was the Chief Director at the Ministry of Education gave him insight into the culture, operations and core business of WAEC. He later became a member of the Ghana National Committee and the International Administrative and Finance Committee of the Council. His membership of the committees afforded him the opportunity to participate in various activities of the Council at the national and international levels where he was recognised as a leading voice, bringing out new thinking and perspectives at meetings and other interactive fora.

Prof. Essuman was a key advocate for WAEC, advancing its interests and supporting its activities. He was instrumental in the setting up of the Security Printing Department of the Ghana National Office and the provision of equipment and tools for the Department by the Government of Ghana, which shortened the results processing time, enhanced examination security and improved efficiency.

At his investiture, Prof. Essuman pledged to work with the member countries to reimagine education and accelerate change in teaching and learning. He emphasized the importance of a strong research Division that will coordinate effectively with the Test Development and Test Administration Divisions. He underscored the need for WAEC to be relevant to the governments and people it serves and called for greater collaboration among the member countries.

26TH ANNUAL ENDOWMENT FUND LECTURE HELD

Webmaster — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 13:34:40 +0000

The 26^th Annual Endowment Fund Lecture has been held as part of activities for the 69^th Annual Council Meeting hosted by the Ghana National Office. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Kafui Etsey, Lecturer, University of Cape Coast.

Speaking on the topic, “Treading On Slippery Ground: Calling Education To Account”, Prof. Etsey examined the various educational reforms that had taken place in Ghana. These include the Accelerated Development Plan in 1951, Kwapong Educational Review Committee Reforms in 1966, Dzobo Educational Review Committee Reforms in 1973 and the Evans-Anfom Educational Review Committee Reforms in 1987. He noted that the Anamuah-Mensah Educational Review Committee Reforms in 2002 gave birth to the Free Senior High School policy in September, 2017.

According to Prof. Etsey, although the reforms were expected to make teaching and learning efficient and effective in schools, expand access to education in Ghana as well as meet the human resource needs of the country, evidence shows that the purposes have only been partially achieved. Prof. Etsey noted that there have been structural gains in the educational system in the form of provision of school buildings, teaching and learning materials and the expansion of access to education. He also touched on the decentralization of budgetary support as well as an appreciable increase in school enrolment through the Free S.H.S. policy as some of the gains made.

Touching on the slippery spots of the educational reforms, Prof. Etsey indicated that since independence, the mix between politics and education has partly led to challenges in effective classroom teaching and learning. He cited the abandonment of projects from successive governments and introduction of new policies that undermine the previous ones as examples. To mitigate the slippery spots in educational reforms, Prof. Etsey was of the view that “politics should stop at the school house door and not enter the classroom”. He also noted that “educational reforms should be built on political commitment not interference”. He further added that research, wide stakeholder consultations and experiences from other countries will help achieve the desired gains in the educational sector.

The lecture which was virtual was delivered via the Zoom Webinar platform and streamed live on Facebook.