The 73rd Annual Council Meeting of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has concluded in Monrovia, Liberia, with the election of Liberia’s Chief Government Nominee on Council, Honourable Amos Armah Fully, as Vice Chairman for a one-year tenure. He succeeds Mr. Edward Kpakra of Sierra Leone.
The meeting, held from March 17 to March 21, 2025, was declared open by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. of Liberia.
In his keynote address, President Boakai commended WAEC for its 73 years of service, emphasizing its role in maintaining standardized and credible examinations across West Africa. He highlighted WAEC’s contribution to regional integration, quality assurance, and curriculum development, while also urging the Council to enhance inclusivity for students with disabilities.
Liberia’s Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, underscored the importance of the Annual Council Meeting in addressing key educational challenges. She reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between WAEC and its member governments, advocating for increased accessibility and credibility in WAEC’s examinations.
During the event, WAEC recognized three Ghanaian candidates for their exceptional performance in the 2024 WASSCE for School Candidates: 1st Prize: Master David Nii Commey Ankrah, 2nd Prize: Master Henschel Tabi Frempong-Manso and 3rd Prize: Master Benedict Ofori Debrah.
Master Ankrah also received the Augustus Bandele Oyediran Award for the Best Candidate in West Africa, 2024.
Additionally, the Distinguished Friend of Council Award was presented to Mrs. Hawah Sharon Goll-Kotchi of Liberia in recognition of her significant contributions to WAEC’s objectives.
WAEC’s governing body convenes annually, rotating among its five member countries: The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The 72nd meeting was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, while Ghana has been selected to host the 74th edition in March 2026.
The 30th Annual Endowment Fund Lecture, titled “Digital Transformation in Education: To AI or Not to AI”, was delivered by Dr. Romelle Alexzyn Horton, President of Cuttington University, Liberia.
Throughout the week-long session, WAEC reviewed its operations, educational programs, and research developments across the region. Reports from the Registrar and WAEC’s Research Department were presented, with a strong emphasis on collaboration for policy development to improve education in West Africa.
At the closing ceremony, WAEC Council Chairman, Prof. Thomas B. R. Yormah, expressed gratitude to the Liberian government and people for their hospitality and efforts in ensuring the success of the meeting.