WAEC Under Fire Over Leaked WASSCE Papers as Stakeholders Demand Reform and Justice

 

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has launched an investigation into the recent leakage of examination papers during the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), an incident that has triggered widespread outrage and calls for systemic reform from stakeholders across Nigeria.

Reports indicate that the English Language examination paper was widely circulated on social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Telegram, several days before the scheduled exam date. The development prompted a scramble within WAEC, forcing the body to reprint questions and delay the exam's start time in many centres.

Students in several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Taraba, were left to write the vital English paper late into the night, often relying on lanterns and phone torchlights due to widespread power outages. Some sat for the exam as late as midnight, triggering fears of compromised performance and mental exhaustion.

WAEC officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the council is collaborating with security agencies, including the police, to trace the source of the leak. An official confirmed that some internal staff may have been involved, describing the incident as a breach that took the council by surprise and disrupted logistical planning.

The crisis forced some staff in Ikorodu and other areas to work round-the-clock, reportedly for as long as 48 hours, assisting with packing and coding the reprinted question papers. The emergency measures, though necessary, resulted in chaos at numerous examination centres, with students waiting for hours before receiving question sheets.

Behind the scenes, a syndicate of exam fraudsters, commonly known as “exam run” operators, exploited the leak for financial gain. According to sources, one such platform had over 80,000 subscribers and charged N1,000 per student for access to the leaked English paper. Even with conservative estimates, the illicit business raked in tens of millions of naira. Investigators are said to be tracking transactions made through WhatsApp and Telegram to unmask those responsible.

WAEC issued a public apology following the incident. Moyosola Adesina, the Acting Head of Public Affairs, admitted that the body’s efforts to prevent further leaks had inadvertently disrupted the examination schedule. She cited security concerns, logistical setbacks, and sociocultural complications as contributing factors to the irregular conduct.

Videos and images circulating online showed candidates taking the English Language exam in poorly lit classrooms, with many appearing visibly fatigued and disoriented. These visuals have sparked a storm of criticism and emotional responses from parents and educators.

The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) condemned the handling of the situation and called for the cancellation and rescheduling of the English Language paper. In a statement, the association's spokesperson, Ademola Ekundayo, argued that students were unfairly punished for the council’s shortcomings.

Parents described harrowing experiences of anxiety and confusion as their children failed to return home until late in the night. One parent, Ajayi Ademola from Osogbo, recounted how his daughter didn’t arrive home until nearly midnight, expressing sorrow and frustration over what he described as inhumane treatment of students.

“They sat at the exam centre from 1:30 p.m. until the paper was distributed at around 7 p.m.,” he said. “WAEC failed these children. The system is punishing innocent candidates for what is clearly an internal failure.”

Another concerned parent, Dele Ajewole, detailed how students at a private school in Osogbo started their English exam at 7:35 p.m. Many, he said, were already mentally drained by that time. “It’s no surprise that some students rushed through the exam. Who writes an English paper at 9:30 at night with no electricity?” he questioned.

Candidates also shared their frustrations. Olamide Adefowope, a student affected by the delay, lamented that honest students were placed at a disadvantage by the widespread leakage. She argued that the stress and exhaustion led many to underperform despite their preparation.

Fatima Yusuf, another candidate from Lagos, described the situation as demoralising and unfair. She called for the cancellation of the English Language paper and demanded a resit to ensure fairness and integrity. “WAEC has a responsibility to ensure a level playing field. Anything less is unacceptable,” she stated.

Educational experts and school administrators are now advocating for major systemic changes. Many are calling for the introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for WASSCE, similar to the model adopted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Mallam Musa Ibrahim, National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), argued that a digital format would help eliminate malpractice and rogue examination centres. “Going paperless would significantly reduce these incidents. But some people oppose it because it would ruin their business,” he said.

Yomi Otubela, president of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), recommended a full-scale investigation before deciding on whether to cancel and reschedule the paper. “We need facts. If it’s confirmed that the paper was compromised across the board, then a resit is justified,” he said.

Dr. Olusola Thomas, a senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, warned of the psychological toll such chaotic situations could have on students. According to her, the prolonged waiting periods and mental stress could result in widespread underperformance.

Though WAEC has pledged to strengthen its systems and continue its investigations, the credibility of the 2025 WASSCE already hangs in the balance. Many are now watching closely, hoping that justice will be served and systemic change will follow.