The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the provisional results for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) 2024, but the news is overshadowed by a significant cheating scandal.
A staggering 41 school candidates have had their entire results canceled due to examination malpractice.
The BECE, typically held in June and released in October, assesses students across subjects like Mathematics, English Language, Science, Social Studies, and Religious and Moral Education.
Passing all subjects is essential for senior high school admission. The 2024 BECE saw 569,236 candidates (282,703 males, 286,533 females) sit for the exam at 2,123 centers nationwide.
Key Findings and Actions:
- High Absenteeism: A significant number of candidates (3,845) were absent from the exam, a notable increase from the previous year.
- Cheating Scandal: WAEC has taken action against candidates involved in examination malpractice. 41 school candidates and 1 private candidate have had their entire results canceled.
- Measures Against Cheating: WAEC has implemented measures like CCTV surveillance in exam halls and biometric verification to combat cheating.
- Strict Penalties: Candidates caught cheating face severe consequences, including result cancellation.
WAEC’s Stern Response:
In a press release, WAEC outlined its actions against widespread cheating:
- Specific Subject Cancellations: 377 school candidates and 3 private candidates had specific subject results canceled for bringing unauthorized materials or colluding with others.
- Total Result Cancellations: 41 school candidates and 1 private candidate had their entire results canceled due to severe breaches of exam regulations.
- Results Withheld: 33 school candidates and 3 private candidates had their entire results withheld pending further investigation.
- School Results Withheld: Results for candidates from 149 schools have been withheld due to reported irregularities, with possible cancellation or release depending on investigations.
Warning Against Fraudsters: WAEC cautioned stakeholders against falling victim to fraudsters offering to upgrade results for a fee. The council emphasized the security and authenticity of BECE results, making such offers fraudulent.
