The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the appointment of Suleiman Kum as the new Head of its Nigeria National Office (HNO). This appointment was made public on Sunday in Lagos by Moyosola Adesina, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC Nigeria. Kum brings over two decades of experience with WAEC to his new role, having joined the organization on July 17, 1998, as Assistant Registrar II.
Kum has had a distinguished career within WAEC, rising through the ranks to become Senior Deputy Registrar in 2024. Before his appointment as Head of the Nigeria National Office, he served as Deputy Registrar in the HNO’s office. His professional experience encompasses test development, examination administration, and examination security, as well as the management of WAEC’s branch and zonal offices.
Throughout his tenure at WAEC, Kum has contributed to several significant administrative and technological innovations. These include the introduction of Variable Data Printing and enhanced security features in security printing operations. He also played a crucial role in the introduction of facial recognition biometric devices to replace the Council-wide attendance system.
Kum has a strong educational background, holding a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he graduated with Second Class Honours, Upper Division, in 1992. He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Open University of Nigeria in 2025 and is currently completing a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning.
Before joining WAEC, Kum began his professional career in 1993 during his National Youth Service Corps programme at the Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He served as Head of the Animal Production Unit and later taught at Baptist High School, Jos, from 1995 to 1998.
Kum’s contributions to WAEC have earned him several commendations, accolades, and awards both within and outside the organization. He succeeds Amos Dangut, who became Head of the Nigeria National Office in October 2023 before assuming office as WAEC’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer on October 1, 2026.
Kum’s appointment comes amid ongoing changes in Nigeria’s education sector, including efforts to strengthen the planning, monitoring, and management of basic education programmes. The Universal Basic Education Commission is implementing its 10-Year Universal Basic Education Roadmap covering 2026 to 2035.
Key points
- Suleiman Kum has over 20 years of experience with WAEC.
- Kum has contributed to several administrative and technological innovations at WAEC.
- He succeeds Amos Dangut, who is now WAEC’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer.
