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Our History

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is an examination board established by law to determine the examinations required in the public interest in the English-speaking West African countries, to conduct the examinations and to award certificates comparable to those of equivalent examining authorities internationally. Established in 1952, the Council conducts exit examinations in five English-speaking countries of West Africa: Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Gambia.

The Jeffery Report

The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, the University of London School Examinations Matriculation Council and West African Departments of Education met in 1948 concerning education in West Africa. They appointed Dr. George Barker Jeffery, Director of the University of London Institute of Education, to visit the region and assess the general education level and requirements.

At the end of Jeffery’s three-month visit (December 1949 – March 1950) to Ghana, the Gambia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, he tendered a report strongly supporting the need for a West African Examination Council and making detailed recommendations on its composition and duties. Following this report, the governments agreed to establish the Council, fully adopting Jeffery’s recommendations.

The Establishment of the Council

The legislative assemblies of Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and the Gambia passed an ordinance (West African Examinations Council Ordinance No. 40) approving the Council in December 1951. Liberia later issued its ordinance in 1974, at the annual meeting held in Lagos, Nigeria. The ordinances have now been replaced with the Convention which confers legal personality on the Council as an international organization.

After the success of forming an examination council, the Council called a first meeting in Accra, Ghana in March 1953. The registrar briefed members on the progress of the Council. Five committees were formed to assist the Council, and 26 people were present.

Attendance of the first meeting

  • Mr. A. N. Galsworthy (Chairman of the Council)
  • George Barker Jeffery (Chief Secretary of the West African Inter-Territorial Secretariat)
  • Mr. J. L. Brereton (Secretary of the Cambridge Syndicate)
  • 13 members nominated by the governments of Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia
  • 10 observers, including Constance Rulka, later Chief Examiner and Assistant Registrar in charge of English examinations

50th Birthday Celebration

In March 2002, the Council celebrated its 50th anniversary in Abuja, Nigeria under the theme “WAEC: 50 years of Excellence”. All member countries joined in the celebration in their respective countries, apart from the general celebration in Abuja. During this anniversary the book, “The West African Examinations Council (1952–2002): Half a Century of Commitment to Excellence and Regional Cooperation”, was launched.

Over the years the Council has developed a team of well-trained and highly motivated staff and has administered examinations that are both valid and relevant to the educational aspirations of member countries. Its certificates enjoy international recognition. WAEC has also been promoting the ideals of hard work and honesty in the youth through its awards for outstanding performance in its examinations.