The Federal Government has dismissed a false online report claiming the cancellation of the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations due to alleged widespread malpractice.
This misinformation has been labeled as misleading and intended to cause panic among students, parents, and the public.
Details of the False Report
The fabricated statement, styled as an “urgent notice” dated July 19, 2025, and falsely attributed to a Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Lawal, claimed the Ministry of Education had nullified the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
It cited reasons such as widespread examination malpractice, question paper leakages, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate cheating.
The report falsely alleged that all exams conducted between May 6 and July 18 were voided, with a new timetable to be released by August 5. Specific claims included:
- Leaked exam papers circulating 72 hours before scheduled exams.
- Mass use of AI-generated answers and remote cheating tools.
- Compromised WAEC staff involved in unauthorized distribution.
Over 480 examination centres flagged for coordinated cheating patterns.
Official Response from the Ministry
In a press release issued on Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Education categorically debunked the report as “false and misleading.”
The Ministry clarified that the 2025 WAEC examinations were successfully concluded, with only isolated incidents of malpractice, all of which were promptly addressed.
The ongoing NECO examinations are also progressing smoothly, with no reported cases of malpractice to date.
The Ministry’s statement read: “The Federal Ministry of Education has not received any official report from WAEC, NECO, or any examination body regarding widespread malpractice
The public is urged to disregard this fabricated notice, which is intended to cause unnecessary panic and confusion. Always verify information through official sources, including the Ministry, WAEC, and NECO websites.”
WAEC’s Stance on the Misinformation
Moyo Adesina, WAEC’s Public Relations Officer, described the alleged statement as “entirely fictitious and baseless.”
She confirmed that the marking of WAEC exam scripts is nearing completion, with results set to be released soon.
“The statement is a figment of the imagination of its purveyors. We urge the public to disregard it,” Adesina told reporters.
WAEC plans to issue an official statement later to further clarify the situation.
Commitment to Exam Integrity
WAEC emphasized its dedication to maintaining the integrity of its examination processes and ensuring timely delivery of results to candidates across West Africa.
The organization reiterated its commitment to upholding high standards and combating any attempts to undermine the examination system.
Warning Against Spreading False Information
The Ministry warned that individuals or groups spreading false information would face investigation and prosecution.
It urged students, parents, school administrators, and the general public to rely on verified sources for accurate updates on WAEC and NECO examinations.
How to Verify Information
To avoid falling victim to misinformation, the public is advised to check official channels, including:
- The Federal Ministry of Education’s official website.
- WAEC’s official website and social media platforms.
- NECO’s official website for updates on ongoing examinations.
By relying on these verified sources, stakeholders can stay informed and avoid the spread of false narratives that could disrupt the academic calendar.
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