The West African Examinations Council, WAEC has announced stringent measures to combat fraudulent practices during the 2025 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations, WASSCE. The organization emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards examination malpractice, which it termed a significant obstacle to quality education and national development.
In an official statement, WAEC expressed grave concerns about the prevalence of examination malpractices, likening it to a “cancer” that necessitates a collective effort from all stakeholders to eradicate. “Malpractices are a cancer in the education sector which requires a multidimensional approach for total annihilation,” the statement read, underscoring the need for collaborative action.
“The active cooperation between WAEC and its stakeholders is invaluable,” the statement added. “As a world-class examining body, WAEC is committed to excellence and will do everything possible to ensure that the integrity of educational assessments is not compromised.”
WAEC has outlined specific guidelines for candidates participating in this year’s WASSCE, which commenced in April. The council urged stakeholders and the public to aid in its efforts against examination fraud. “We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with WAEC to ensure that the fraudulent activities of unscrupulous elements are curtailed,” WAEC officials declared, emphasizing the importance of protecting the hard work and dedication of diligent candidates.
The council also reiterated its instructions to candidates: “Candidates are required to be seated in the examination hall before the commencement of each of their subjects. Supervisors have been fully briefed to report any candidate who arrives late.”
Moreover, WAEC has introduced advanced technological applications to detect those who use unauthorized resources during the exams. “We have deployed measures to identify candidates who patronize rogue websites and utilize their materials. If a candidate is found to have posted or received live questions/answers on social media during the exam, their entire results will be withheld pending an investigation,” warned a WAEC representative. “If found culpable, their results will be cancelled, and the matter may be reported to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and prosecution.”
In an effort to enhance its monitoring capabilities, WAEC has retained the Candidates Identity Verification, Attendance, Malpractice, and Post Examination Management System, CIVAMPEMS to verify candidates’ identities, mitigate impersonation, capture attendance at examination centers, and report malpractice incidents during the examinations.
