The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially appointed 56-year-old Suleiman Kum as the new Head of its Nigeria National Office, placing a long-serving senior official at the helm of its Nigerian operations.
Kum succeeds Dr Amos Dangut, whose three-year tenure as Head of the Nigeria National Office ended on October 1, 2026. Dangut has since assumed office as Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of WAEC.
Before his appointment, Kum served as Deputy Registrar in the HNO’s office and was Senior Deputy Registrar, Test Administration, until the end of August.
In a statement on Sunday, WAEC Nigeria’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, described Kum as “a seasoned test developer, administrator and executive.” He joined the council on July 17, 1998, as Assistant Registrar II and has since held several senior positions across the organisation.
The council highlighted Kum’s role in introducing “Variable Data Printing and enhanced code-security features in security printing,” as well as replacing council-wide attendance systems with facial-recognition biometric devices.
He also led the delivery of Achievement Tests using the Computer-Based Examination mode and was involved in several administrative and technological innovations within the council.
According to WAEC, Kum has extensive experience in test development, test administration, examination security, as well as branch and zonal office management.
“Throughout his career, he has driven administrative and technological innovations, including establishing the Gusau office as a Custodial Centre,” the statement said.
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 same institution.
His previous postings include Assistant Registrar II/Head, Exams Security, Awka; Assistant Registrar I/Head, Exams Security, Yola; Assistant Registrar I/Head, Exams Security, Makurdi; Senior Assistant Registrar I/Branch Controller, Gusau; and Principal Assistant Registrar/Branch Controller, Kano.
He also served as Deputy Registrar/Head of the Security Printing Department, Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator in Port Harcourt and Ikeja, Director of Administration, and Senior Deputy Registrar/Test Administration.
WAEC said Kum’s career had been marked by integrity, diligence, innovation and commitment to service, adding that his work across various portfolios had earned him institutional commendations, accolades and awards.
“Throughout his eventful career, Mr Kum has shown integrity, diligence, innovation and a strong commitment to service. His leadership across various portfolios has earned him numerous institutional commendations, accolades and awards within the Council and beyond,” the statement read.
Kum’s appointment comes as WAEC continues to expand the use of technology in examination administration, including computer-based testing and other measures aimed at strengthening examination security and delivery.
