Suleiman Kum Ascends: New Leadership for WAEC National Office

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Suleiman Danlami Kum as the new Head of its Nigeria National Office. Mr. Kum takes over from Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, who has been elevated to the prestigious position of Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the regional examination body. This significant appointment, confirmed in a statement signed and released by WAEC Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, highlights Mr. Kum's extensive experience and deep commitment to the Council.

Mr. Suleiman Danlami Kum, who hails from the Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, brings a wealth of expertise to his new leadership role. Prior to this appointment, he served diligently as Deputy Registrar in the Head of National Office’s (HNO) Office, demonstrating his profound understanding of the council's intricate operations at a senior executive level. Born on October 16, 1970, in Minna, Niger State, Mr. Kum began his educational journey at the esteemed Baptist High School, Jos, where he successfully completed his General Certificate of Education (GCE) in 1986/1987.

His pursuit of higher education led him to the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, where he earned a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Production with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in 1992. Demonstrating a lifelong dedication to learning and professional development, he further obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in 2025 and is currently in the process of completing a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration and Planning, also at NOUN.

Mr. Kum's professional career commenced in 1993 with his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployment at the Division of Agricultural Colleges, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he capably served as Head of the Animal Production Unit. Subsequently, from 1995 to 1998, he contributed to his alma mater, Baptist High School, Jos, undertaking various roles including Form Master, Labour Master, Classroom Teacher, and Health Master, culminating in the distinguished Light and Life Staff Merit Award in 1998, just before joining the Council.

A highly accomplished Test Developer, Administrator, and Executive, Mr. Kum officially joined the West African Examinations Council on July 17, 1998, as Assistant Registrar (AR) II. Over more than two decades of dedicated service, he steadily progressed through the ranks, reaching the senior position of Senior Deputy Registrar (SDR) in 2024. His extensive career within WAEC encompasses a wide array of crucial operational capacities, including Assistant Registrar II/Head, Exams Security, Awka (November 1998 – June 2002); Assistant Registrar I/Head, Exams Security, Yola (June 2002 – January 2006); and Assistant Registrar I/Head, Exams Security, Makurdi (January 2006 – November 2011).

Further showcasing his versatile leadership and administrative capabilities, Mr. Kum served as Senior Assistant Registrar I/Branch Controller, Gusau (November 2011 – March 2013); Principal Assistant Registrar/Branch Controller, Kano (March 2013 – July 2016); Deputy Registrar/Head, Security Printing Department (August 2016 – February 2021); Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator, Port Harcourt (February 2021 – September 2023); Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator, Ikeja (September – December 2023); Director of Administration (January 2024 – August 2025); and Senior Deputy Registrar/Test Administration (September 2025 – August 2026). This diverse experience has equipped him with extensive knowledge across test development, test administration, examination security, and effective branch and zonal office management.

Mr. Kum is also widely recognized for his significant contributions to driving administrative and technological innovations within WAEC. He was instrumental in establishing the Gusau office as a Custodial Centre, pioneering Variable Data Prints (VDP) and enhanced code security features in Security Printing, and overseeing the replacement of Council-wide attendance systems with modern facial recognition biometric devices. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in leading the seamless delivery of Achievement Tests using the Computer-Based Examination (CBE) mode, underscoring his forward-thinking approach to modernizing examination processes.

Throughout his eventful career, Mr. Kum has consistently demonstrated exemplary integrity, diligence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to service. His distinguished leadership across numerous portfolios has deservedly earned him a multitude of institutional commendations, accolades, and awards, both from within the Council and from external bodies. A testament to his professional standing, Mr. Kum is a proud member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Outside of his demanding professional life, he is married with children and enjoys a variety of hobbies including travelling, swimming, reading, and watching movies.