Suleiman Kum has been appointed as Head of WAEC Nigeria National Office.
He succeeds Dr Amos Dangut, who recently became WAEC's Registrar and Chief Executive Officer.
The council announced the appointment at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
Nigeria National Office on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
According to WAEC, Kum is an experienced examination administrator with more than 28 years at the council. He joined on July 17, 1998, as Assistant Registrar II and rose through several positions.
The appointment follows a change at the top of WAEC. The council's work affects millions of students across West Africa, and the WAEC Nigeria National Office is central to it.
Kum Succeeds Amos Dangut in Nigeria National Office
Kum takes over from Dr Amos Dangut, who led the Nigeria National Office for three years until October 1, 2026.
Dangut has now assumed office as WAEC's Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, a role that covers the council's work across all its member countries. His move left the Nigerian post open, and Kum has been appointed to fill it.
WAEC announced the appointment in an official statement from its Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina. She described Kum as a seasoned professional and pointed to his experience in testing and administration.
The council also praised his service record. Over the years, he has held operational roles that exposed him to different examination processes and gave him a working knowledge of office management.
A Long Career With WAEC
Suleiman Kum joined WAEC in July 1998 as an Assistant Registrar II. Over 28 years, he worked in several offices and departments, covering examinations, security and administration. His postings and roles include:
Examination security duties in Awka, Yola and Makurdi,
Branch Controller in Gusau, and later in Kano,
Zonal Coordinator in Port Harcourt and Ikeja,
Director of Administration,
Head of the Security Printing Department,
Deputy Registrar in the national office, and
Senior Deputy Registrar for Test Administration, a role he held until August 2026.
These roles gave him a wide view of how examinations are run. He has handled every stage of delivery and managed staff and office systems. That background now serves him as Head of the WAEC Nigeria National Office.
Experience in Examination Technology and Security
WAEC highlighted Kum's contributions to technological improvements.
These contributions covered printing and examination administration. He helped introduce Variable Data Printing methods. He also promoted stronger security features in printing.
Steps of this kind can safeguard exam papers and related materials, and they can make the protection of documents more dependable too.
Bodies that run examinations have a duty to keep sensitive materials from being abused. Robust security arrangements also help sustain the trust of the public. Examination bodies must protect confidential materials from misuse. Strong security systems help maintain public confidence.
Kum also helped introduce facial-recognition biometric devices. These devices replaced the council's attendance systems. Biometric technology can improve identity verification. It can also support more reliable staff monitoring.
WAEC further credited Kum with supporting computer-based testing. He helped deliver Achievement Tests through this method. Computer-based examinations depend on effective technical planning. They also require reliable systems and trained personnel.
These experiences may prove useful in his new role. WAEC continues to manage examinations across many locations. Technology can support more efficient examination processes. Security remains important throughout every examination stage.
Academic Background and Professional Development
Kum hails from Plateau State. He holds a degree in Animal Production from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, which he earned with Second Class Honours, Upper Division.
He later took a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at the National Open University, and he is now studying for a Master's degree in educational administration and planning.
His studies in education and institutional management sit alongside his work in examination systems, and both bear directly on what WAEC does. Qualifications will count for less than results, though. Schools and candidates will judge him on how securely and reliably the exams run.
What the Appointment Means for the WAEC Nigeria National Office
WAEC plays an important role in education. It conducts examinations for students across West Africa. Its examinations help assess students' academic achievements. Results also influence access to further education.
Nigeria is a major part of WAEC's operations. The national office manages several important activities. These include examination administration and related services. The office also works with schools and candidates.
The new appointment places Kum in a key position. He will oversee the council's Nigerian operations. His responsibilities will involve staff and examination processes. He must also help maintain the council's standards.
Candidates and schools depend on reliable examination services. They expect clear information and timely results. They also expect secure examination materials. Effective leadership can help meet these expectations.
Kum's experience provides a foundation for the role. His previous duties covered security and test administration. He also handled branch and zonal office responsibilities. These experiences may support smoother coordination.
Challenges Ahead for the New Head
The new head will face several responsibilities. Examination security will remain a major concern. The council must prevent malpractice and protect examination materials. It must also maintain confidence in its results.
Technology will continue to shape examination delivery. Computer-based testing requires careful preparation and reliable systems. Candidates also need clear instructions and adequate support. Any transition must consider different levels of access.
WAEC must also communicate effectively with stakeholders. These include schools, teachers, parents and candidates. Clear communication helps reduce confusion during examinations. It also supports trust in the council's decisions.
Kum's leadership will be assessed through practical outcomes. Stakeholders will expect reliable and secure examinations. They will also expect efficient administration and better services. His experience offers a starting point for this work.
Kum's Task at the WAEC Nigeria National Office
Suleiman Kum has become WAEC's new Nigeria office head. He succeeds Dr Amos Dangut, now the council's Registrar. Kum brings extensive experience in examination administration and security. His career also includes technological and management responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
His appointment comes with important expectations. Students and schools depend on WAEC's examination services. Strong leadership can help protect these services. Kum's performance will shape his impact on Nigeria's office.
