The Educate Africa Institute (EAI) expresses deep concern over the alarming rate of examination malpractice during the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates (WASSCE-SC).
According to reports from WAEC’s own monitoring teams, widespread cheating involving candidates, invigilators, and school staff has been uncovered across several examination centers. EAI condemns these acts, which undermine the credibility of WAEC certificates qualifications that have historically opened doors to higher education and job opportunities both locally and internationally.
If these trends persist, the WAEC certificate risks becoming globally irrelevant. There is growing evidence that some international universities are reconsidering their acceptance of WAEC results. In the near future, candidates holding WAEC certificates may be required to sit for entrance exams before gaining admission abroad. This poses a significant threat to the academic mobility and global competitiveness of African students.
EAI further believes that WAEC’s monopoly over school examinations is a major part of the problem. After decades of unchallenged control, the Council has become complacent, with weak accountability and limited innovation.
EAI therefore calls on governments across West Africa to establish a new, independent examination body to operate alongside or in place of WAEC. This would enhance transparency, raise standards, and restore public trust. WAEC must reform or be replaced. The time has come for bold reforms to safeguard the future of African education.
