By Sekinat Osundiji
Dr Amos Josiah Dangut has risen through the ranks of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to become the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the examination body.
Dangut, who previously served as the Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, is set to assume his new role at the council’s international headquarters in Accra, Ghana, on October 2, 2026.
Here are 10 things to know about the new WAEC Registrar:
- He is from Plateau State
Dangut was born on October 2, 1967, in Mbar District of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He began his secondary education at Government Secondary School, Riyom, where he studied between 1981 and 1983. He later attended Government Science School, Kuru, from 1983 to 1986, obtaining his WASC/SC in 1986.
- His first degree was in Agriculture
Dangut studied at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, where he obtained a Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Animal Production in 1991.
His academic background is largely rooted in agriculture and animal science before his career expanded into education, examinations and administration.
- He holds three postgraduate degrees
Dangut continued his education after his first degree.
He obtained a Master of Science in Animal Science from the University of Ibadan in 1994, a PhD in Animal Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, in 2017, and a Master of Education in Administration and Planning from the National Open University of Nigeria in 2020.
- His career began in teaching
Before joining WAEC, Dangut worked at St Louis College, Jos, after completing his National Youth Service Corps programme in 1991/1992.
During his NYSC service, he was recognised for innovative teaching and efforts to improve farmers’ productivity. The Plateau State? No, the WAEC profile states that he received Meritorious Service Awards from the Ondo State Government and Akoko South-West Local Government.
- He joined WAEC in 1998
Dangut joined the West African Examinations Council in 1998 as an Assistant Registrar II.
Over the years, he rose through various positions and became a Deputy Registrar in April 2018.
His career within WAEC has therefore spanned nearly three decades.
- He held several positions across WAEC offices
Dangut’s WAEC career has taken him through several departments and offices.
He served as Assistant Registrar/Subject Officer in the Test Development Division in Lagos from 1998 to 2005. He subsequently worked in Uyo and Bauchi as Senior Assistant Registrar, Head of Examinations Security and Deputy to the Branch Controller.
He later served as Senior Assistant Registrar/Branch Controller in Yola before becoming Deputy Registrar/Controller of the Post Examinations Department and later Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator at the Ikeja Zonal Office.
- He received a commendation for examination conduct
Between 2000 and 2006, Dangut received a commendation from the Nigeria Examinations Committee for transparent conduct of examinations, according to WAEC’s profile.
The experience came during the early years of his career at the examination body, where he was involved in test development and examination security.
- He was WAEC Nigeria’s Head of National Office for nearly three years
Dangut became Head of the Nigeria National Office on October 2, 2023, succeeding Patrick Areghan. He served in that position until the transition to his new regional role in October 2026.
During his tenure, he was involved in the administration of WASSCE and the council’s move towards computer-based examinations.
In 2026, WAEC conducted its Computer-Based WASSCE for school candidates in Nigeria, with Dangut announcing that nearly two million candidates were registered for the examination.
- He has been involved in WAEC’s digital transformation
Technology has been a recurring part of Dangut’s work at WAEC.
According to the council, he has used Information and Communications Technology to improve processes in test development, test administration and post-examination activities.
In a 2024 interview, Dangut also spoke about WAEC’s plan to move towards digital examinations, highlighting the council’s transition from traditional paper-based assessment to computer-based testing.
His tenure in Nigeria coincided with WAEC’s introduction and expansion of computer-based examinations.
- He is also an academic and professional association member
Beyond his administrative career, Dangut has published educational research in national and international journals and has presented papers and keynote addresses at conferences and professional forums, according to WAEC.
He is associated with the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Institute of Management. Outside work, his interests include swimming, tennis and farming.
With his appointment as Registrar and CEO, Dangut is moving from leading WAEC’s Nigerian operations to a regional role at the council’s international headquarters in Accra. His formal assumption of office is scheduled for October 2, 2026.
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