WAEC Takes Action Against WASSCE Malpractices, Fines and Legal Proceedings Initiated
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has declared that all invigilators involved in irregularities during the recent West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will be held legally accountable.
The examination, which commenced on August 5, 2024, with Visual Arts project work and concluded on September 20, 2024, was marred by several instances of misconduct.
WAEC reported violations, including the distribution of answers to candidates, the smuggling of mobile phones into examination halls by both students and teachers, and the use of projectors and boards to display answers for students to copy.
John Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Relations, confirmed that some invigilators have already faced fines, while others await legal proceedings. Ongoing investigations aim to ensure that anyone found guilty will face consequences.
“Any time we find a mobile phone on a candidate, it constitutes a clear violation, leading to the cancellation of their results. In cases where answers were displayed on boards, we intervened, but candidates were allowed to finish their exams. We later instructed school heads to locate students who attempted to flee during the exam,” Kapi explained.
He added, “Teachers involved were immediately turned over to the police. Some have had their cases resolved, paying fines, while others are still in court, and some have been remanded. Teachers are reported right away, whereas candidates are permitted to complete their exams before investigations commence.”
WAEC also expressed gratitude to stakeholders who reported attempts at malpractice and reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination process, despite the challenges faced.
