People using WhatsApp, Telegram to cheat in BECE – WAEC
By Rebecca Okine
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has raised concerns about the use of social media to facilitate examination malpractice in the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
According to the examination body, it is becoming increasingly difficult to curb the practice.
Speaking in an interview, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, noted: “Social media has become a bigger problem than we anticipated. People are using mobile phones and apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to cheat, and it is getting harder to stop.”
He indicated that authorities are unable to monitor these illegal activities due to the encrypted nature of these platforms, which raises serious concerns about the credibility of the exam system.
The examination body is, however, currently reviewing its digital security measures to combat the threat.
Meanwhile, the government has released over 50 percent of the funds required to conduct the exam, with the expectation that the remainder will be released soon.
Mr. Kapi revealed: “If all assurances are met, the exams will proceed smoothly, and results will be released on time.”
This year’s examination began on Wednesday, 11 June, across the nation and is expected to end on Wednesday, 18 June 2025.
A total of 603,328 candidates are participating in the examination, including 297,250 males and 306,078 females.
