The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has raised alarm over the increasing use of social media platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to facilitate examination malpractices, describing it as a growing challenge to the integrity of public exams.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s ‘Breakfast Daily’ program, John Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, highlighted the detrimental impact of digital tools on maintaining exam credibility. “Social media has created a bigger problem than we anticipated. While it has its advantages, the misuse of platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram for cheating is making it difficult to curb examination malpractice,” he said.
In recent years, the leakage of exam questions and organized cheating through digital networks have posed a serious challenge to WAEC. Mr. Kapi assured the public that the Council is bolstering its security and monitoring systems to counter such threats during this 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Public concern over the credibility of national assessments has grown, with many urging WAEC to adopt innovative measures to safeguard examinations against increasingly sophisticated cheating methods.
On a positive note, Mr. Kapi confirmed that the government has disbursed over 50% of the funds needed for the smooth conduct of this year’s BECE. “If all commitments are fulfilled, there will be no hitches, and candidates can expect timely results,” he stated.
