In a decisive move to combat the growing menace of examination malpractice in Nigeria�s education sector, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the banning of 574 secondary schools across the country from participating in the upcoming 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which is scheduled to commence on Thursday, April 24.
The announcement was made by Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, Head of WAEC�s National Office in Nigeria, during a press briefing held at the Council�s headquarters in Yaba, Lagos. The briefing focused on the Council�s preparation for the 2025 WASSCE and the measures being implemented to uphold the integrity of the examination process.
According to Dr. Dangut, the decision to withdraw recognition from the affected schools followed a thorough investigation into repeated incidents of examination malpractice during previous examination cycles. He emphasized that the Council had no choice but to take firm action against institutions that have become breeding grounds for unethical practices.
�This year, we have submitted to the government a list of 574 schools that have had their recognition withdrawn,� Dr. Dangut said. �These schools have had their licences revoked due to persistent and proven misconduct in previous exams. As far as WAEC is concerned, these institutions no longer exist for the purpose of conducting our examinations.�
WAEC�s crackdown is part of a broader campaign to restore credibility and trust in the WASSCE, which remains one of the most important school-leaving examinations for students in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.
Dr. Dangut further explained that the Council�s action is not just about punishing wrongdoing, but also about sending a strong message to all stakeholders in the education sector�including students, teachers, school proprietors, and parents�that examination malpractice will not be tolerated at any level.
�It is not enough to sanction students or individual invigilators caught in the act. We must hold schools accountable where systemic malpractice is evident. This is the only way to break the cycle,� he stated firmly.
The affected schools span several states and were found guilty of facilitating or actively participating in cheating, impersonation, collusion, and other forms of malpractice. WAEC has made it clear that its decision is final and that these schools will not be permitted to register candidates for the 2025 WASSCE.
Dr. Dangut noted that the Council is working closely with state and federal Ministries of Education to monitor examination centers and ensure compliance with examination guidelines. He also revealed that surveillance and monitoring measures are being strengthened across all zones to prevent any compromise of the examination process.
�We are committed to protecting the integrity of our exams and the future of our students. We will continue to partner with government agencies, school authorities, and law enforcement to ensure that the WASSCE remains credible and respected,� he added.
The announcement has sparked wide reactions from education stakeholders, with some commending WAEC�s boldness, while others have raised concerns about the impact on innocent students who may now need to seek alternative centers to sit for their exams.
As the 2025 WASSCE approaches, WAEC�s message is loud and clear: the days of unchecked malpractice are numbered, and the era of accountability and discipline in Nigeria�s examination system is here to stay.
