The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced a bold crackdown on examination malpractice as part of its preparations for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates. Among several measures introduced, the Council revealed that it will now delist any examination centre that has been blacklisted by sister examination bodies for aiding malpractices.
This was disclosed by the Head of the Nigeria National Office, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, during a pre-examination press briefing held at WAEC’s national headquarters in Lagos.
According to Dr. Dangut, the Council is intensifying efforts to uphold the integrity of its examinations through closer collaboration with security agencies and peer organisations.
“In addition to deploying our own systems for detecting malpractice, we have now adopted a policy to delist any examination centre found guilty by any of our sister examination bodies. There is no room for safe havens anymore,” he stated.
Nigeria has several recognized sister examination bodies that work alongside WAEC to uphold the integrity of the education system. These include the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the National Examinations Council (NECO), the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS).
Each of these bodies plays a crucial role in conducting credible examinations within their respective scopes—ranging from general education to technical, vocational, and Islamic studies—while also contributing to national efforts aimed at curbing examination malpractice and promoting transparency in assessments.
On the part of WAEC, 574 schools have already been delisted before the commencement of the 2025 exams.
“This year, we have shared with them a total of 574 schools that have had their recognition withdrawn, and that is also going to be the same for all examining bodies.
“So, these are those that have got their license revoked as far as the examination centre is concerned. So we will not conduct examinations there. We don’t know them as far as conducting examinations,” Dangut said.
Tougher Surveillance and Technological Safeguards
WAEC is deploying advanced monitoring techniques, including real-time reporting mechanisms, drones, and CCTV surveillance, in identified high-risk centres. Additionally, invigilators and supervisors have been retrained and warned of strict consequences for any compromise.
“Supervisors and invigilators who betray their oath of neutrality will be held accountable. We are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure any offender—be it school owner, teacher, or candidate—is dealt with according to the law,” Dangut emphasized.
Question Paper Variations Introduced
A key innovation aimed at curbing cheating is the introduction of question paper variation—meaning no two candidates will receive questions in the exact same order for selected subjects.
“This is a direct response to the growing menace of answer sharing during examinations. With multiple question variants, the chances of cheating are significantly reduced,” Dangut said.
Crackdown on Rogue Websites
WAEC also expressed concern over the activities of rogue websites and online platforms that peddle fake examination questions and answers. The Council disclosed that it is working with cybersecurity agencies and telecom regulators to track, block, and prosecute offenders.
“We have alerted the Nigeria Police and other relevant agencies to go after operators of rogue websites. Parents and students must avoid falling for such traps,” Dr. Dangut warned.
Malpractice Redress Portal and Public Appeals
In line with its commitment to transparency, the Council has established a Malpractice Redress Portal to handle complaints and appeals related to examination offences. A total of 56 schools were derecognised last year due to confirmed cases of aiding and abetting exam malpractices.
WAEC urged school principals to sensitise students, teachers, and parents on the dangers of exam malpractice, noting that culprits face stiff penalties, including the cancellation of results, withdrawal of recognition for schools, and even criminal prosecution.
With over 1.97 million candidates registered for the 2025 WASSCE across more than 23,000 schools, WAEC says it is committed to delivering an exam that is not only efficient but credible.
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