By DAYO ADESULU
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has appointed Mr. Suleiman Danlami Kum as the new Head of the Nigeria National Office (HNO), succeeding Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the appointment of Suleiman Danlami Kum as the new Head of its Nigeria National Office.
Kum takes over from Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, who previously headed the Council’s Nigeria National Office.
The appointment was announced by WAEC in a statement issued by its Public Affairs Department in Yaba, Lagos, on Sunday, October 3, 2026.
Who Is Suleiman Danlami Kum?
Born on October 16, 1970, in Minna, Niger State, Kum is originally from Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He attended Baptist High School, Jos, where he obtained his General Certificate of Education in 1986/1987.
He proceeded to the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, now known as Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, where he earned a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production, graduating with Second Class Honours, Upper Division, in 1992.
Kum later expanded his academic qualifications with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in 2025.
He is also currently completing a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration and Planning at NOUN.
From Classroom Teacher to WAEC Executive
Kum began his professional career in 1993 during his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at the Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
During his service, he served as Head of the Animal Production Unit.
He subsequently returned to Baptist High School, Jos, where he worked between 1995 and 1998 as a Form Master, Labour Master, Classroom Teacher and Health Master.
His contribution to the school earned him the Light and Life Staff Merit Award in 1998, shortly before he joined WAEC.
Kum joined WAEC on July 17, 1998, as Assistant Registrar II.
Over the next 28 years, he steadily rose through the Council’s ranks, becoming Senior Deputy Registrar in 2024.
Extensive Experience in Examination Administration
Throughout his career at WAEC, Kum served in several strategic positions across the Council’s operations.
His postings included roles as Head of Examinations Security in Awka, Yola and Makurdi.
He later served as Branch Controller in Gusau and Kano before becoming Deputy Registrar and Head of the Security Printing Department.
He subsequently served as Zonal Coordinator in Port Harcourt and Ikeja.
Kum was appointed Director of Administration in January 2024, a position he held until August 2025.
He then became Senior Deputy Registrar/Test Administration, serving from September 2025 to August 2026.
Before his latest appointment, he served as Deputy Registrar in the Head of National Office’s Office.
Kum’s Contributions to WAEC
According to the Council, Kum brings extensive experience in test development, test administration, examination security, branch management and zonal office management.
WAEC said he has also played a role in driving administrative and technological innovations within the organisation.
Among his contributions was the establishment of the Gusau office as a Custodial Centre.
He also pioneered the use of Variable Data Prints (VDP) and enhanced code security features in the Council’s Security Printing operations.
In addition, he contributed to the replacement of Council-wide attendance systems with facial recognition biometric devices.
WAEC also credited him with leading the seamless delivery of Achievement Tests using the Computer-Based Examination (CBE) mode.
Recognised for Integrity and Innovation
WAEC described Kum as an experienced professional whose career has been marked by integrity, diligence, innovation and commitment to service.
The Council said his leadership across different portfolios had earned him several institutional commendations, accolades and awards.
He has also participated in national and international trainings, symposia and conferences, including programmes in the United Kingdom.
According to WAEC, Kum has published works in national and international volumes and presented several academic and professional papers.
He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).
What the Appointment Means for WAEC
Kum assumes leadership of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office at a time when examination administration continues to evolve rapidly, particularly with the growing adoption of technology and computer-based testing.
His extensive background in examination security, test administration, technology-driven systems and administration could position him to play a significant role in the Council’s ongoing efforts to strengthen examination processes in Nigeria.
As the new Head of the Nigeria National Office, his responsibilities will include providing leadership for WAEC’s operations in Nigeria and supporting the Council’s mandate of delivering credible examinations.
Kum is married with children. His hobbies include travelling, swimming, reading and watching movies.
Why This Matters
The appointment is significant because WAEC examinations remain a major component of Nigeria’s secondary education system.
With Kum’s nearly three decades of experience within the Council, his elevation brings to the HNO position a career spanning examination security, test administration, security printing, technology adoption and institutional management.
His experience could therefore prove important as WAEC continues to modernise examination delivery while tackling challenges associated with examination integrity and security.
FAQs
Who is the new Head of WAEC Nigeria National Office?
Suleiman Danlami Kum has been appointed the new Head of the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council.
Who did Suleiman Kum succeed?
Kum succeeds Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut as Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office.
When did Kum join WAEC?
He joined WAEC on July 17, 1998, as Assistant Registrar II.
What is Kum’s educational background?
He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production, a PGDE from the National Open University of Nigeria and is completing a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning.
What was Kum’s most recent position before becoming HNO?
Before his appointment, he served as Deputy Registrar in the Head of National Office’s Office.
Conclusion
With a career spanning almost three decades at WAEC, Suleiman Danlami Kum brings extensive experience in examination administration, security, technology and institutional management to his new role.
His appointment marks another stage in a career that began in education and agricultural training before developing into a senior leadership trajectory within one of West Africa’s most prominent examination bodies.
