The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the appointment of Mr. Suleiman Kum as the new Head of its Nigeria National Office. Kum takes over from Dr Amos Josiah Dangut, who has been appointed as the Registrar of the council. According to a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Moyosola Adesina, Kum joined WAEC on July 17, 1998, as Assistant Registrar II and has risen through the ranks.
Before his appointment, Kum served as deputy registrar in the Office of the Head of National Office. He has held several key positions within the council, including Director of Administration, Zonal Coordinator in Port Harcourt and Ikeja, Head of Security Printing Department, and Branch Controller in Gusau and Kano. Kum's extensive experience covers Test Development, Examination Administration, Examination Security, as well as branch and zonal office management.
Kum has pioneered several administrative and technological innovations during his career, including Variable Data Printing and enhanced security features in the council's security printing operations. He also led the introduction of facial recognition biometric devices to replace the council's wide attendance system. Additionally, Kum played a key role in the seamless delivery of 'Achievement Tests' through the Computer-Based Examination mode.
The new WAEC boss hails from Langtang North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau and was born on October 16, 1970, in Minna, Niger. Kum obtained a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, in 1992, with Second Class Honours, Upper Division. He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Education from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in 2025.
Kum started his professional career in 1993 during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at the Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he served as Head of the Animal Production Unit. He subsequently taught at Baptist High School, Jos, between 1995 and 1998, serving in various capacities, including Form Master, Labour Master, Classroom Teacher, and Health Master.
Kum's contributions to the council have earned him several commendations, accolades, and awards within and outside the test body. He has attended several national and international trainings, conferences, and symposia, including programmes in the United Kingdom. Kum is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and has published works in national and international volumes, while also presenting academic and professional papers.
As the new Head of the Nigeria National Office, Kum is expected to bring his wealth of experience and expertise to the role. His appointment was announced on Sunday in Lagos, and he is currently completing a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration and Planning. With his extensive background in education and administration, Kum is poised to make a positive impact at WAEC.
Key points
- Suleiman Kum has been appointed as the new Head of WAEC's Nigeria National Office.
- Kum has over 28 years of experience in the council, having joined on July 17, 1998.
- Kum has pioneered several administrative and technological innovations during his career at WAEC.
