By : P Uriah Suah
suahuriah86@gmail.com
Ganta City, Nimba county………The Office of the County Education Officer (CEO) of the Nimba County School System (NCSS), Francis Leagay, has issued a strong warning to all senior secondary school principals over the unauthorized collection of graduation and documentation fees from students ahead of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Speaking on the RKFM Breakfast Show, CEO Francis Leagay disclosed that it has been brought to their attention that some school administrators and proprietors are demanding graduation-related payments from students before they complete their national exams—a practice strictly prohibited by the Ministry of Education (MOE).
He revealed that he receives daily calls from parents and students reporting that institutions are imposing unnecessary financial pressure on them and demanding the payment of WASSCE fees before granting clearance for the exam. He stated that such actions undermine the integrity of the education system.
CEO Leagay emphasized that no school is permitted to collect graduation fees at this stage of the academic year. He warned that any principal found guilty of this practice will face severe disciplinary measures, including a fine of L$150,000 to be paid into government revenue, suspension, and possible removal from their position.
He urged all principals to focus on improving student academic performance and to fully comply with the Ministry of Education’s regulations.
CEO Francis Leagay made the statement on May 13, 2025, during a phone-in appearance on the Kergheamahn Radio Breakfast Show.
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