WAEC Raises Concern Over Social Media Threats to Exam Integrity

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has raised fresh concerns over the growing influence of social media on examination malpractices, describing it as a serious threat to the integrity of public assessments.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily programme on Friday, June 13, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr. John Kapi, said the increasing misuse of mobile technology—especially platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram—has made it significantly harder to safeguard the credibility of examinations such as the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

“Social media has created a bigger problem than we anticipated,” Mr. Kapi admitted. “Of course, there are good sides to it, but people are exploiting it on the negative side. With the advent of mobile phones, WhatsApp, Telegram, and others, it’s become difficult to curb examination malpractice.”

Mr. Kapi noted that while WAEC has always dealt with exam leakages and cheating attempts, the encrypted nature of modern messaging apps has complicated the process of monitoring and enforcement. These digital platforms, he explained, allow unscrupulous individuals to share exam materials quickly and discreetly, undermining efforts to ensure a level playing field for all candidates.

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Despite these growing challenges, WAEC remains focused on ensuring the smooth conduct of the upcoming BECE. Mr. Kapi disclosed that the government has already paid more than half of the total funding required for the examination.

“As we speak, the government has paid a little above 50% of the amount we need for the BECE,” he stated. “Assurances have been made, and if all of them are fulfilled, there will be no hitches, and the results will be released appropriately for candidates to move on to their next stage.”

WAEC is calling on all stakeholders—students, parents, schools, and the general public—to help uphold the integrity of the examination system. The Council emphasized that protecting the sanctity of examinations is a collective responsibility, especially in an era where technology can be both a powerful educational tool and a weapon of academic dishonesty.

As the 2025 BECE approaches, WAEC’s message is clear: vigilance, collaboration, and responsible digital behavior are key to preserving the value of education in the digital age.

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