WAEC In Crisis: Exam Leak Sparks Outrage As Candidates Sit Midnight Tests

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has launched a full-scale investigation into the alleged leakage of examination papers during the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The inquiry follows the early circulation of the English Language paper—leaked four days before its scheduled date—causing massive disruptions nationwide. According to sources, some WAEC officials are suspected of involvement, and the police have opened a parallel probe into the scandal.

Originally slated for May 28, the English Language paper appeared online well in advance, forcing WAEC to reprint and redistribute question papers under intense pressure. The fallout led to severe delays, with candidates in states such as Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Taraba reportedly writing the exam as late as midnight—many under torchlight due to power outages.

WAEC Responds, Cites Malpractice and Logistics

WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, addressed the situation in a statement on Thursday. She apologized for the delays and said the council had to take drastic steps to prevent further leaks, though it “unintentionally disrupted the timely conduct of the exam.”

She cited “logistical challenges and socio-cultural factors” as additional obstacles, noting that over 1.9 million candidates across 23,554 schools are taking the exam in Nigeria.

WAEC Staff Worked Nonstop to Manage Emergency

WAEC insiders told The PUNCH that the council was tipped off by a whistleblower, prompting an emergency operation to reprint and re-code question papers. In Ikorodu, Lagos, staff reportedly worked for 48 straight hours. “Everyone was under pressure,” a staff member said.

Meanwhile, “exam leak” syndicates allegedly monetized the leaked content, charging students between ₦1,000 and ₦5,000 via WhatsApp and Telegram groups. One group reportedly had over 80,000 subscribers, potentially profiting millions of naira.

Digital Platforms Under Surveillance

Leaked questions for other subjects—including Physics, Geography, and Literature—were also found on platforms such as WAEC NECO IJMB Students Connect, Free WAEC Exam Infos, and WAEC GCE NECO Expo. These sites openly advertised rates: “English and Mathematics for ₦1,500—dropping at midnight with full essay and objectives.”

WAEC is now working with security agencies to track financial transactions and identify the operators behind these rogue platforms.

Parents and Students Demand Action

In response to the chaos, the National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has called for the cancellation of the leaked English paper and a rescheduled re-sit.

“WAEC must clean up its house instead of punishing innocent students,” said NAPTAN’s spokesperson, Ademola Ekundayo.

Parents described the ordeal as mentally exhausting. Ajayi Ademola, a parent in Osogbo, Osun State, said his daughter didn’t return home until 11 p.m. “She was too tired to study for her next paper,” he said.

Another parent, Dele Ajewole, added that exams in his daughter’s school didn’t start until 7:35 p.m. “They were drained and couldn’t concentrate.”

Students echoed similar frustrations. “We were too exhausted to think straight,” said Olamide Adefowope. Fatima Yusuf, writing from Lagos, demanded a re-sit, saying, “This was unfair. WAEC must uphold its integrity.”

Calls Grow for Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

Amid mounting criticism, stakeholders are renewing calls for WAEC to adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT). Mallam Musa Ibrahim, President of ANCOPPS, said such a shift would help eliminate “miracle centres” and rogue sites.

Yomi Otubela, President of NAPPS, urged the formation of a fact-finding panel to determine whether a re-sit is justified. “If the claims check out, a re-sit must happen,” he said.

Dr. Olusola Thomas, a senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, stressed the need for further review. “This incident affects students’ mental health and the credibility of the examination. It cannot be ignored.”