WAEC Appoints Suleiman Kum as New Nigeria National Office Head

By: Tunji Okunlola

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has appointed Suleiman Kum as the new Head of the Nigeria National Office (HNO).

Kum, 56, succeeds Dr Amos Dangut, whose three-year tenure ended on October 1, 2026. Dangut has since assumed office as WAEC’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer.

Before his appointment, Kum served as Deputy Registrar in the Office of the Head of the National Office and, until the end of August, was the council’s Senior Deputy Registrar in charge of Test Administration.

The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by WAEC Nigeria’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, who described Kum as a “seasoned test developer, administrator and executive.”

Kum joined WAEC on July 17, 1998, as an Assistant Registrar II and has held several positions across the council during his career.

According to WAEC, he pioneered the use of Variable Data Printing and introduced enhanced code-security features in security printing. He also played a key role in replacing council-wide attendance systems with facial-recognition biometric devices and oversaw the delivery of Achievement Tests through computer-based examinations.

The council said Kum has extensive experience in test development and administration, examination security, as well as the management of branch and zonal offices.

He also drove several administrative and technological initiatives, including the establishment of the WAEC Gusau office as a Custodial Centre.

Kum, who is from Plateau State, holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Open University of Nigeria and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning at the institution.

His previous postings include Assistant Registrar II and Head of Exams Security in Awka; Assistant Registrar I and Head of Exams Security in Yola and Makurdi; Senior Assistant Registrar I and Branch Controller in Gusau; and Principal Assistant Registrar and Branch Controller in Kano.

He also served as Deputy Registrar and Head of the Security Printing Department; Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator in Port Harcourt and Ikeja; Director of Administration; and Senior Deputy Registrar in charge of Test Administration.

WAEC said Kum’s career had been characterised by integrity, diligence, innovation and commitment to service, adding that his leadership across various portfolios had earned him institutional commendations, accolades and awards within and outside the council.