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

The warning was issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, during the floating exercise marking the commencement of the registration process at St. Anthony's Secondary School, Ilorin, the state capital.

Dr. Olohungbebe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Rebecca Olanrewaju Bake, reiterated that the Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq-led administration remains committed to providing affordable and quality education for all students in Kwara State. The government stressed that any unauthorized fees would compromise this commitment.

He emphasised that the state government will not condone any form of extortion, mismanagement or misappropriation of students' examination registration fees by school heads.

"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," the Commissioner said.

Olohungbebe, reminded principals that the approved total registration fee for 2026 WAEC is N30,500, comprising N27,000 for entry, N1,500 for e-registration and N2,000 administrative charges.

The Commissioner urged principals to convene meetings with Parents-Teachers Associations to sensitise parents on the benefits of early registration and the penalties for late submission of forms.

Olohungbebe, also charged them to maintain integrity and transparency in handling the exercise, stressing that any principal found engaging in irregularities would face strict disciplinary action.

While acknowledging their unrelenting contributions, the Commissioner applauded the principals for their continued support of government educational policies and their dedication to nurturing excellence in schools.

"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 said.

Olohungbebe called for sustained collaboration with the state government, assuring that Governor AbdulRazaq remains steadfast in improving education through massive school rehabilitation, supply of learning materials and teachers' welfare.

Earlier, the Director of Curriculum and Assessment, Sulaiman Ajape, urged principals to handle the registration exercise with utmost honesty and professionalism.

In his remarks, the State President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Comrade Mohammed Baba Saliu advised members to avoid malpractices and align with the ministry's directives.

The meeting, attended by directors, ministry staff and all principals across the 16 Local Government Areas, ended with a renewed commitment to uphold transparency and accountability in education administration.