*MY EXPERIENCE AS A WAEC EXAMINER*
Over the years, I have seen different sides of the WAEC marking process, and I thought it would be worthwhile to share my experience, especially for younger teachers who may be considering becoming WAEC examiners.
Between 2017 and 2020, the highest amount I received for marking was about ₦13,000. Despite the modest remuneration, there were always large numbers of "gate crashers", teachers who had not been officially invited but still came to the marking centres, hoping to be assigned scripts.
I still remember what happened in 2018. Invited examiners discussed boycotting the exercise unless WAEC reviewed the marking allowance. However, upon arriving at the marking centre, we met hundreds of eager teachers waiting to replace us if we refused to mark. That experience made it clear why WAEC had little incentive to improve examiners' welfare. As long as there was an endless supply of willing replacements, there was very little pressure to change the system.
My experiences in 2019 and 2020 were even more challenging.
In 2019, there was a delay with my marking allocation. On Sallah Day, I received an urgent call instructing me to report immediately to the marking centre with my parcel of scripts, with the warning that failure to do so could attract disciplinary action. Instead of spending the festive day with my family, I spent it at the WAEC marking centre.
Then came 2020, during the #EndSARS protests. With movement restrictions and transportation disrupted, I had to trek from Isolo to Igando and back just to fulfil my duties as an examiner. It remains one of the most physically demanding experiences of my career.
Things changed significantly when electronic marking (e-marking) was introduced for some selected subjects in 2021.
The remuneration became far more encouraging. I earned about ₦120,000 in 2021 and approximately ₦95,000 in 2022. The improved payment reflected the value of the work and served as real motivation for examiners.
I stopped marking from 2023 due to other professional commitments.
This year (2026), I received another invitation and genuinely considered returning because my schedule is now more flexible. However, I was surprised to learn that some subjects previously marked electronically have reverted to manual marking, with payments reportedly reduced to around ₦30,000.
It is difficult to understand the rationale. How do you motivate an examiner who previously earned close to ₦100,000 for the same responsibility to now accept ₦30,000?
After hearing about the current remuneration, I decided it would be better to remain at home than commit so much time and energy for such a token.
That said, I would still encourage young teachers and first-time examiners to embrace the opportunity if invited.
The benefits of being a WAEC examiner extend far beyond the financial reward.
Being a WAEC examiner:
- Improves your marking and assessment skills.
- Deepens your understanding of the examination process and marking scheme.
- Makes you a more effective classroom teacher.
- Helps you prepare students more strategically for external examinations.
- Strengthens your professional profile and credibility.
- Expands your network by connecting you with experienced educators from different schools.
- Increases your employability, as many reputable schools prefer or specifically request teachers who have served as WAEC examiners.
For me, the experience was invaluable. Although the financial reward may no longer be attractive, the knowledge, exposure, professional development, and relationships gained over the years remain priceless.
I sincerely hope that WAEC will continue to review the welfare of examiners. The quality and credibility of any examination depend not only on its processes but also on the motivation and commitment of those entrusted with assessing candidates' work.
Adebayo, O.T
Over the years, I have seen different sides of the WAEC marking process, and I thought it would be worthwhile to share my experience, especially for younger teachers who may be considering becoming WAEC examiners.
Between 2017 and 2020, the highest amount I received for marking was about ₦13,000. Despite the modest remuneration, there were always large numbers of "gate crashers", teachers who had not been officially invited but still came to the marking centres, hoping to be assigned scripts.
I still remember what happened in 2018. Invited examiners discussed boycotting the exercise unless WAEC reviewed the marking allowance. However, upon arriving at the marking centre, we met hundreds of eager teachers waiting to replace us if we refused to mark. That experience made it clear why WAEC had little incentive to improve examiners' welfare. As long as there was an endless supply of willing replacements, there was very little pressure to change the system.
My experiences in 2019 and 2020 were even more challenging.
In 2019, there was a delay with my marking allocation. On Sallah Day, I received an urgent call instructing me to report immediately to the marking centre with my parcel of scripts, with the warning that failure to do so could attract disciplinary action. Instead of spending the festive day with my family, I spent it at the WAEC marking centre.
Then came 2020, during the #EndSARS protests. With movement restrictions and transportation disrupted, I had to trek from Isolo to Igando and back just to fulfil my duties as an examiner. It remains one of the most physically demanding experiences of my career.
Things changed significantly when electronic marking (e-marking) was introduced for some selected subjects in 2021.
The remuneration became far more encouraging. I earned about ₦120,000 in 2021 and approximately ₦95,000 in 2022. The improved payment reflected the value of the work and served as real motivation for examiners.
I stopped marking from 2023 due to other professional commitments.
This year (2026), I received another invitation and genuinely considered returning because my schedule is now more flexible. However, I was surprised to learn that some subjects previously marked electronically have reverted to manual marking, with payments reportedly reduced to around ₦30,000.
It is difficult to understand the rationale. How do you motivate an examiner who previously earned close to ₦100,000 for the same responsibility to now accept ₦30,000?
After hearing about the current remuneration, I decided it would be better to remain at home than commit so much time and energy for such a token.
That said, I would still encourage young teachers and first-time examiners to embrace the opportunity if invited.
The benefits of being a WAEC examiner extend far beyond the financial reward.
Being a WAEC examiner:
- Improves your marking and assessment skills.
- Deepens your understanding of the examination process and marking scheme.
- Makes you a more effective classroom teacher.
- Helps you prepare students more strategically for external examinations.
- Strengthens your professional profile and credibility.
- Expands your network by connecting you with experienced educators from different schools.
- Increases your employability, as many reputable schools prefer or specifically request teachers who have served as WAEC examiners.
For me, the experience was invaluable. Although the financial reward may no longer be attractive, the knowledge, exposure, professional development, and relationships gained over the years remain priceless.
I sincerely hope that WAEC will continue to review the welfare of examiners. The quality and credibility of any examination depend not only on its processes but also on the motivation and commitment of those entrusted with assessing candidates' work.
Adebayo, O.T