By Sabiu Abdullahi
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has formally appointed 56-year-old Suleiman Kum as the new Head of its Nigeria National Office.
Kum, who previously served as Deputy Registrar in the Head of National Office’s department, was Senior Deputy Registrar in charge of Test Administration before the end of August.
He succeeds Dr Amos Dangut, whose three-year tenure as Head of the Nigeria National Office ended on October 1, 2026. Dangut has since taken up the position of Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of WAEC.
The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by Moyosola Adesina, Head of Public Affairs, WAEC Nigeria.
Adesina described Kum as “a seasoned test developer, administrator and executive”. He joined WAEC on July 17, 1998, as Assistant Registrar II.
Throughout his career, Kum has held several positions across the council, with responsibilities covering examination security, test administration, branch management and technological innovation.
WAEC said Kum pioneered “Variable Data Printing and enhanced code-security features in security printing, replacing council-wide attendance systems with facial-recognition biometric devices and leading the seamless delivery of Achievement Tests using the Computer-Based Examination mode.”
The council said his experience includes test development, examination administration, examination security and the management of branch and zonal offices.
“Throughout his career, he has driven administrative and technological innovations, including establishing the Gusau office as a Custodial Centre,” it stated.
Kum, who is from Plateau State, obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He is also pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning at the institution.
His previous assignments 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, Port Harcourt; Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator, Ikeja; Director of Administration; and Senior Deputy Registrar/Test Administration.
The council said Kum’s work over the years had earned him several commendations 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,” it added.
