WAEC reduces exam malpractice to 8-year low

WAEC has driven examination malpractice to an eight-year low through computer-based testing and paper serialisation, with withheld results falling to 8.59%.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has driven examination malpractice to an eight-year low through the introduction of computer-based testing (CBT) and paper serialisation. WAEC Nigeria National Office Coordinator Amos Dangut announced that 167,486 results, representing 8.59% of total candidates, were withheld in the 2026 CB-WASSCE, down from 9.7% in 2025.

WAEC has upgraded its anti-cheating mechanisms over recent examination cycles, moving from traditional enforcement to technology-driven prevention. Dangut explained: “From last year, we introduced paper serialisation, which added a new layer to the examination; this year, we further improved on it with the introduction of CB-WASSCE”. Serialisation ensures no two candidates receive questions in the same order, virtually eliminating collusion. WAEC has also deployed a Digital Marking System to improve service efficiency.

WAEC spokesperson Moyosore Adesina told BusinessDay that the council has conducted sensitisation campaigns in many schools and established cybersecurity teams to monitor examinations. The data shows a consistent decline: withheld results fell from 22.83% in 2022 to 16.29% in 2023, 11.92% in 2024, 9.75% in 2025 and 8.59% in 2026. Samuel Afolayan, an educator, attributed the success to randomised objective questions, biometric identification and CCTV deployment.

The winners: WAEC, which has restored integrity to examinations; and Nigerian students, who benefit from a fairer system. The losers: examination malpractice syndicates, who face increased scrutiny; and students whose results were withheld.

Bottom Line: Exam cheating has dropped to its lowest level in eight years. Technology is making a difference.