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RSG Alleges Exam Fraud Syndicate In WAEC
The Rivers State Government has alleged that there is a syndicate within the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) which collects money from some officials to enlist them as supervisors in the on-going examination conducted by the body.
The state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, who gave the indication while speaking on a radio programme in Port Harcourt monitored by The Tide at the weekend, expressed worry over a new terminology called ‘sign-on fee’ used by those linked to the syndicate to recoup what they have spent by exploiting candidates sitting for the exam.
The commissioner said that the act was being perpetrated by some bad eggs in WAEC with their partners who may be school heads in Rivers State, cautioning that the state government would not allow that to continue.
According to him, “I want to distinguish between examination malpractice and a new terminology that is in town; what they call ‘sign-on fee’. It is crazy! We discovered that they have changed procedure now.”
The commissioner said that he has received several calls from parents on the trend, saying the most recent was a report about a supervisor at Government Secondary School, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, who was collecting N1,000 from each student before they could submit their scripts.
“The chairman of the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board got to Elekahia (last Thursday) and incidentally he got the supervisor who is a teacher in Government Secondary School, Oyigbo.
“I asked her ‘were you nominated to be a supervisor?’ and she said she was not nominated. Since she was not nominated by her principal, she has no business being a supervisor.
“Now, the question is ‘how did you find yourself here’? Her response was that she paid N30, 000 to her vice principal or a teacher in her school who linked her up to somebody.
“I asked where? She became evasive. She said she was linked and somehow, she got an appointment letter from WAEC to become a supervisor.
“Now, all these point to the fact that there are a syndicate. Now, certain persons have been nominated to be supervisors, and because you want to recoup. Because you want to make quick money, all they do is look for some syndicates.
“If you look at the presentation of the woman, I paid N30, 000 to my vice principal who took me to somebody. Now, the syndicate here would have been some of our teachers and some people in WAEC,” he stated.
Gogo-Jaja noted that there were people bent on circumventing procedures, saying “these people are within the system, if you do not investigate properly, it will be difficult to catch up with these people.
“Now, the lady that has been caught will lead us to the principal of her school or the vice principal who will eventually get us to the person who brought in her name in the list of supervisors,” he added.
He further said that the state Ministry of Education, in collaboration with relevant partners, have a major target which is to end examination malpractice, saying “aside the decision of handling public schools, we engaged owners of private schools because you mostly have these miracle centres in private schools.
“Now, the reports that I have been getting since the exam (WAEC) started have been on issues of either you pay before you enter or if you don’t pay, you cannot pass your answer script. Now, this is what they adopted as a ‘sign-on fee’, ranging from N500 or N1,000.
“Because you have paid a syndicate N30, 000, you will find a way to recoup it, not minding the fact that we have stated and warned that if you get involved, you will lose your job, and that is the truth of the matter.”
Dennis Naku
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol