Leadership Transition at WAEC: Suleiman Kum Takes Helm of Nigeria National Office

From an analytical perspective, Suleiman Kum’s tenure begins at a crossroads. While WAEC has made remarkable strides in reducing the transit time for the release of results, it continues to battle the sophisticated evolution of examination malpractice, particularly orchestrated through online syndicates and rogue digital platforms. Curbing these leaks and securing the integrity of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) must remain Kum's top priority.

Furthermore, the ongoing transition toward Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the Senior School Certificate Examinations remains a polarizing subject. While digital testing drastically reduces logistics costs and eliminates physical paper leakages, infrastructural deficits—such as poor internet connectivity and unstable power supply in rural parts of Nigeria—pose significant hurdles. The new leadership will need to adopt a pragmatic, phased approach to CBT deployment to avoid marginalizing candidates in underserved communities.

Ultimately, the success of Kum’s leadership will be measured by his capacity to foster synergy with the Federal Ministry of Education and various state governments. As Nigeria seeks to align its secondary education with global standards, a transparent, secure, and modern WAEC is non-negotiable. The coming months will reveal how effectively the new HNO translates his administrative experience into actionable, systemic progress.