WAEC: Principals, teachers, supervisors arrested for malpractice

In the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) has taken firm action against 20 individuals  complicit in examination malpractice.

These officials have been arrested and subsequently handed over to the police.

During his visit to several schools in Lagos,  Patrick Areghan, the Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC, disclosed this development on Thursday.

The arrests were carried out in various regions across the country, including Ibadan, Maiduguri, Umuahia, Abeokuta, Osogbo, and Kaduna.

According to  Areghan, the apprehended individuals were caught red-handed capturing and disseminating examination questions through different platforms, thereby facilitating and abetting cheating among candidates. The culprits comprised supervisors, principals, invigilators, and teachers.

Expressing his dismay,  Areghan condemned this act as a significant disgrace and emphasized that WAEC would ensure their prosecution reached a just conclusion.

He stated, “The issue of examination malpractice can no longer be trivialized. We can no longer tolerate such behavior, as it has completely eroded morals and values within our society. It is taking a dangerous turn that, if left unchecked, will cripple our nation.”

Areghan also debunked the misconception that WAEC examination questions frequently leak. He refuted the claim, asserting that WAEC’s examinations remained secure until they reached the candidates in the examination hall.

He clarified the process, stating, “One hour before the examination, we hand over the question papers to the supervisors at a designated collection point to ensure safe transit to their respective schools.”

He continued, “However, upon reaching the exam hall, some supervisors would open the package under the guise of distributing the papers to the candidates, only to capture and share them on various platforms.”

Areghan urged candidates not to jeopardize their future by placing their trust in individuals who did not have their best interests at heart, promising to help them pass the examination through illicit means. He emphasized that WAEC’s examinations could never be accessed illegally.

“All those caught in the act may have received payment from unsuspecting candidates and their parents, promising assistance in achieving exam success,” he stated.

He advised candidates to dedicate themselves to diligent study and thorough preparation, as there were no shortcuts to success.

Areghan emphasized, “The only path to passing the WAEC examination is through dedicated studying and self-confidence. Do not allow anyone to deceive you with false promises of assistance, as they will only take your money and ruin your future.”