Featured
Jemima Okang Addae
2 minutes read
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has confirmed that several cases of examination malpractice have been detected in the ongoing 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), with the Council warning that the numbers may rise as the exams progress.
In an interview on Channel One, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, Mr John Kapi, disclosed that one of the most alarming cases occurred in a particular region, where more than half of the candidates in a single examination room were found in possession of photocopied answers.
“In one of the regions, out of 31 candidates in an exam room, 16 were found with photocopied answers in their possession,” Mr Kapi revealed. “Their statements have been taken and the matter is being processed in accordance with WAEC regulations.”
In a separate incident, five candidates were caught with mobile phones during the exam — a clear violation of WAEC’s strict examination protocols.
“Their statements have also been recorded for further investigation,” Mr Kapi noted, adding that these breaches highlight ongoing challenges with candidate conduct and enforcement of rules during the examination period.
Mr Kapi said the Council was unable to provide a precise figure on the total number of malpractice cases at this point. “We are unable to put out these figures because they keep going up by the day. When the examinations are over and we complete our assessment, we’ll provide the exact number of candidates found to be involved in these kinds of activities,” he said.
WAEC has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of the BECE and warned that all reported incidents will be fully investigated and sanctioned per its regulations.
The Council has also urged candidates and invigilators to abide strictly by the rules governing the conduct of the examinations, as it works to maintain public confidence in its processes.
Watch the interview below
