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URGENT: Nationwide Cancellation of 2025 WAEC Exams Announced

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on July 21st, 2025.

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

PRESS RELEASE

Date: Saturday, 19th July, 2025

URGENT: Nationwide Cancellation of 2025 WAEC Exams Announced

The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), regrets to inform the general public, especially students, parents, and school administrators, of the immediate cancellation of the ongoing 2025 WAEC examinations across all states of the federation.

This difficult but necessary decision follows escalating reports of widespread examination malpractice, coordinated leakages of question papers, and unauthorized digital dissemination of exam materials through social media and AI-enhanced cheating tools. Investigations by the National Academic Integrity Task Force revealed organized rings operating in multiple states, compromising the validity of the entire examination process.

Key Findings Leading to Cancellation Include:

Leaked exam papers circulating up to 72 hours before scheduled papers.

AI-generated answers and remote cheating tools being used en masse.

Compromised WAEC staff involved in unauthorized distribution.

Over 480 flagged centres with coordinated cheating patterns.

Based on these findings, the integrity of the 2025 May/June WASSCE has been irreversibly compromised, and continuing with the exams would only reward malpractice and discredit the efforts of honest candidates.

Key Directives:

1. All ongoing and pending WAEC examinations from 22nd July 2025 onward are officially cancelled.

2. All previously written papers from May 6th to July 18th, 2025, are declared null and void.

3. A full investigative committee has been set up to prosecute individuals and centres found guilty.

4. A fresh timetable for the rescheduled examinations will be released on Monday, 5th August 2025, after nationwide consultations.

5. WAEC digital systems and supervision protocols will be overhauled ahead of the new examination window.

We understand the distress this may cause our young students and their families. However, we must uphold the sanctity of education in our nation. Candidates are advised to continue preparing and avoid falling prey to fraudulent websites or individuals claiming to offer “expo” or shortcuts.

Updates will be made available on the official WAEC Nigeria portal: www.waecnigeria.org and through verified news outlets.

For inquiries, contact:

📞 WAEC Helpline: 0903 123 4567

📧 Email: publicaffairs@waec.org.ng

Signed,

Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Lawal

Director-General, Federal Examinations Regulatory Board

Federal Ministry of Education

Abuja, Nigeria.