From an agriculture graduate to the head of West Africa’s leading examination body, Dr Amos Josiah Dangut’s journey through WAEC has spanned nearly three decades of service, academic advancement and administrative leadership.
Dr Amos Josiah Dangut is set to take over as Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), marking a major milestone in his career within the regional examination body.
Dangut, who previously served as Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, is scheduled to assume office at the council’s international headquarters in Accra, Ghana, on October 2, 2026.
As he steps into his new role, here are 10 key facts about the man taking charge of WAEC.
1. He Hails From Plateau State
Dangut was born on October 2, 1967, in Mbar District, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He began his secondary education at Government Secondary School, Riyom, where he studied from 1981 to 1983, before proceeding to Government Science School, Kuru.
He completed his secondary education in 1986, earning his West African School Certificate.
2. His First Degree Was in Agriculture
Unlike many education administrators, Dangut’s academic journey began in agriculture.
He attended the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, where he graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Animal Production.
His early academic training laid the foundation for a career that would later take him into education, examination management and institutional leadership.
3. He Holds Three Postgraduate Degrees
Dangut pursued further academic qualifications, earning three postgraduate degrees from different Nigerian institutions.
In 1994, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Ibadan.
He later earned a PhD in Animal Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, in 2017.
In 2020, he added a Master of Education degree in Administration and Planning from the National Open University of Nigeria to his academic credentials.
4. He Started His Career as a Teacher
Before joining WAEC, Dangut began his professional journey in the classroom.
Following his National Youth Service Corps programme in 1991/1992, he worked at St Louis College, Jos.
During his NYSC service, he reportedly distinguished himself through innovative teaching methods and initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ productivity.
His contributions earned him Meritorious Service Awards from the Ondo State Government and Akoko South-West Local Government, according to his WAEC profile.
5. He Joined WAEC in 1998
Dangut began his career with the West African Examinations Council in 1998, when he was appointed Assistant Registrar II.
His entry into the organisation marked the beginning of a steady rise through its administrative and examination management structure.
In April 2018, he attained the rank of Deputy Registrar, reflecting his years of experience and growing responsibilities within the council.
His appointment as Registrar and CEO comes after nearly 28 years of service at WAEC.
6. He Served in Several WAEC Departments and Offices
Over the years, Dangut occupied various positions across WAEC’s Nigerian operations, gaining experience in examination development, security and administration.
From 1998 to 2005, he worked as Assistant Registrar and Subject Officer in the Test Development Division in Lagos.
He subsequently served in Uyo and Bauchi, where his responsibilities included examination security and supporting branch administration.
His career also took him to Yola as Senior Assistant Registrar and Branch Controller.
He later became Deputy Registrar and Controller of the Post Examinations Department before serving as Deputy Registrar and Zonal Coordinator at WAEC’s Ikeja Zonal Office.
These assignments exposed him to different aspects of the council’s operations.
7. He Earned Recognition for Transparent Examination Conduct
Dangut received commendation from the Nige