
The results of 191,053 candidates who sat for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) are being withheld, a decision directly linked to alleged involvement in various forms of examination malpractice. This figure represents 9.7% of the total number of candidates who took the exam.
The Cause of Withheld Results
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has a zero-tolerance policy for examination malpractice, and the withheld results are a direct consequence of their efforts to maintain the integrity of the examination. The primary causes for withholding the results are:
- Collusion and Organized Cheating: WAEC reported that despite new, stricter anti-malpractice measures, there were still instances of organized cheating in some schools. The serialization of objective test papers in key subjects like English Language and Mathematics was designed to make collusion difficult, but some students and schools still attempted to find ways around it.
- Use of Banned Mobile Devices: A persistent issue cited by WAEC is the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices in examination halls. These devices are often used to receive or transmit answers, which is a major form of malpractice.
- Involvement of Rogue Website Operators and Supervisors: WAEC has also been actively working to apprehend rogue website operators and compromised supervisors who aid and abet cheating. The withheld results are part of a broader effort to sanction all individuals and centers involved in such fraudulent practices.
The Withholding Process
When results are withheld, it means an investigation is ongoing. The results are not immediately canceled. The cases of malpractice are reviewed by the Council’s appropriate committee. Once the committee concludes its review, it will make a final decision, which can range from releasing the results to outright cancellation. Affected candidates and their schools are notified of the decision.
For candidates whose results are being withheld, WAEC has an online portal where they can view the reasons for the action.
