You have not collected your WAEC certificate? No problem, you’re not alone. In fact, it had been stated that some of the results ready for collection in WAEC offices dates back to 1960. Why people leave what they laboured for this long is what I don’t know. To even think many of the people that collected theirs collected at a rush hour when they needed it for something makes it bad.
It’s your certificate, you registered for the exams, prepared for it, sat for it and it came out good, why not collect it? The large number of uncollected results is high and this had prompted the exam body to fine candidates for not collecting their certificates.
The fine ranges from N3,500 to N23,500 depending on the time duration the certificate is left fallowing in their office.
We have also listed the amounts you would pay for collecting your original WAEC certificate depending on how long you’ve waited and they are:
- 0 – 4 years = N3, 500
- 5 – 9 years = N8, 500
- 10 – 14 years = N13, 500
- 15 – 19 years = N18, 500
- 20 years and above = N23, 500
From the list above, where do you belong? You need to collect your certificate to avoid moving to the next level of fine. This article with discuss all you need to know about WAEC certificate collection. Before that, lets discuss WAEC as a body a bit.
WAEC: An Overview
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is an examination board that conducts the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, for universities and Jamb entry examination in West African countries.
Established in 1952, the council has contributed to education in Anglo-phonic countries of West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Gambia), with the number of examinations they have coordinated, and certificates they have issued. They also formed an endowment fund, to contribute to the education in West Africa.
The council conducts four different categories of examinations. They are International Examinations, National Examinations, Examinations conducted in collaboration with other examining bodies, and Examinations conducted on behalf of other examining bodies.
The International exams are the exams taken in more than one country. WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination) for example is taken in the five countries. The National examinations are taken in individual countries. The council also coordinates examinations in collaboration with some trustworthy examination bodies.
The council also conducts examination in West Africa on behalf of international examination bodies. Examples includes University of London GCE and JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) examination in countries outside Nigeria.
Below is how you can process the collection of your original WAEC certificate easily no matter where you are in the country
WAEC Certificate Collection: How To Go About It
It’s no news if I tell you WAEC organizes the Secondary School Certificate Examination twice a year. One for those still in school and the other for private candidates, the WAEC exams popular known as externals.
However, while the first one for school candidates (internal WAEC) takes place between March to May and that of private candidates (external WAEC) takes place between September to October, there’s a new one introduced for the private candidates. It takes place between January to February and it was introduced in 2018.
Regardless of the examination type, WAEC certificates are ready for collection within one year after results are out. However, where you collect the results differs.
For school candidates (internal WAEC candidates), they can get their results from their respective schools. The requirements for collection and fees depends on the school. So, if yours is an internal examination, kindly go to your school for collection.
For private candidates, you need to go to the nearest WAEC office and make inquiry. Just remember, if it’s been more than a year since your certificate was released, you will have to pay a fee to collect your certificate. WAEC calls it a custody fee and the rate vary depending on how long your certificate was kept in WAEC’s care.
You might be asking yourself – What documents should I bring when collecting your original waec result from waec office? See them below.
Before collection, you are expected to provide the following documents among other things.
- Application letter
- Online result printout
- Identity Card
- One passport photograph
- a sworn affidavit from the High Court
After collecting your certificate, avoid laminating it. Keep it in a safe place to prevent it from damaging as it’s susceptible to getting damaged quickly if handled badly. You can keep it in a transparent bag and keep the bag save. After going through this write up, it’s no doubt saying it’s not that difficult getting your certificate when you’re ready. However, it’s best to get it when not in a hurry.
