The Kwara State Government has issued a stern warning to principals of senior secondary schools across the state against imposing unauthorised charges during the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration exercise.

The warning was delivered on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, during the floating exercise marking the start of WAEC registration at St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Rebecca Olanrewaju Bake, the Commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring affordable and quality education for all students in the state.

“It is unacceptable and contrary to the policy thrust of this administration. No student or parent should be burdened with extra charges beyond the Ministry’s approved fees,” Olohungbebe said.

He stressed that the state government would not tolerate extortion, mismanagement, or misappropriation of students’ registration fees by school heads.

Olohungbebe reminded principals that the approved total registration fee for the 2026 WAEC is ₦30,500, broken down as ₦27,000 for entry, ₦1,500 for e-registration, and ₦2,000 for administrative charges.

The Commissioner directed principals to hold meetings with Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs) to educate parents on early registration benefits and penalties for late form submission.

He also warned that any principal found engaging in malpractice or illegal charges would face strict disciplinary action.

While acknowledging their efforts, Olohungbebe commended the principals for supporting government educational reforms and their commitment to improving school standards.

“Permit me to express heartfelt gratitude for your hard work and commitment to shaping the future of our children. Your efforts in school building are deeply appreciated,” he added.

The Commissioner reaffirmed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to educational development through school rehabilitation, provision of learning materials, and teachers’ welfare.

Earlier, the Director of Curriculum and Assessment, Mr Sulaiman Ajape, urged 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 to avoid malpractices and adhere to ministry directives.

The meeting, attended by education directors, ministry officials, and principals from all 16 local government areas, concluded with a renewed pledge to uphold transparency and accountability in the education sector.