WAEC Probes Question Leak Scandal Amid Midnight Exams

WAEC Probes Question Leak Scandal Amid Midnight Exams.
Parents demand re-sit; exam syndicates under investigation.
Stakeholders propose CBT to reduce malpractice.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has launched an investigation into the widespread leakage of questions in the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), prompting national outrage and renewed calls for reform.

The scandal erupted when the English Language paper, originally slated for May 28, was leaked online four days early.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the breach forced WAEC to urgently reprint and reschedule the exam across several states, leading to chaotic scenes and delayed night-time exams in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Taraba, among others.

In many centres, candidates reportedly sat for the paper as late as midnight, using torchlights and lanterns due to power outages.

WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, in a statement on Thursday, apologised for the disruptions, attributing the chaos to exam malpractice and security threats. She noted that efforts to prevent further leaks inadvertently disrupted logistics and the smooth conduct of the exams.

Insiders told journalists that WAEC staff worked non-stop to manage the crisis. In areas like Ikorodu, Lagos, officials reportedly worked for 48 hours to repack and code new papers. Meanwhile, the police have launched a parallel investigation, with some WAEC officials suspected of involvement.

Online platforms such as “Free WAEC Exam Infos” and “WAEC NECO IJMB Students Connect” were discovered selling leaked papers for N1,000 to N5,000, with one group allegedly boasting over 80,000 subscribers.

The National Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) has called for the English paper to be cancelled and rescheduled. “Our children are being punished for WAEC’s failure,” said the group’s publicity secretary, Ademola Ekundayo.

Candidates echoed similar frustrations, describing the experience as exhausting and demoralising. Some students returned home as late as 11 p.m., unable to revise for the next day’s paper.

In the wake of the scandal, education stakeholders are urging WAEC to adopt computer-based testing (CBT). ANCOPPS President Mallam Musa Ibrahim said CBT would curb rogue exam centres, while NAPPS President Yomi Otubela suggested a fact-finding panel to determine if a re-sit is necessary.