Federal Government Cancels 2025 WAEC Exams Nationwide Over Massive Malpractice Scandal

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the immediate cancellation of all ongoing and pending 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) across Nigeria, following what it described as the “irreversible compromise” of the exam’s integrity.

In a press release issued on Saturday, July 19, 2025, the ministry said the decision was reached in collaboration with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) after uncovering widespread exam malpractice involving coordinated question paper leakages, AI-assisted cheating, and the involvement of compromised WAEC staff.

“Investigations by the National Academic Integrity Task Force revealed organized rings operating in multiple states, compromising the validity of the entire examination process,” the statement read.

Key findings include:

• Exam papers leaked and circulated up to 72 hours before the scheduled dates.
• Widespread use of AI-generated answers and remote cheating tools.
• WAEC staff implicated in the unauthorized distribution of exam materials.
• Over 480 examination centres flagged for coordinated cheating.

As a result, all exams conducted between May 6 and July 18, 2025, have been declared null and void, and no further exams will hold from July 22 onward.

The ministry outlined the following directives:

1. Immediate cancellation of all 2025 WAEC exams nationwide.
2. Invalidation of all papers already written between May 6 and July 18.
3. Formation of an investigative committee to identify and prosecute all individuals and centres involved in the malpractice.
4. Release of a fresh exam timetable on Monday, August 5, 2025.
5. Overhaul of WAEC digital systems and supervisory protocols ahead of the rescheduled exams.

While acknowledging the disappointment this decision may bring to students and families, the Ministry emphasized that preserving academic integrity remains paramount.

“We must uphold the sanctity of education in our nation,” said Dr. Aisha Lawal, Director-General of the Federal Examinations Regulatory Board.

Students are urged to remain focused and avoid falling for scammers offering leaked papers or fraudulent shortcuts.

Further updates will be available on the official WAEC Nigeria website: www.waecnigeria.org and through verified media outlets.

For inquiries:
📞 WAEC Helpline: 0903 123 4567
📧 Email: publicaffairs@waec.org.ng