The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a warning to all heads of schools, supervisors, and invigilators to refrain from engaging in any form of examination malpractice.
The Council stated that those found culpable will face penalties in accordance with examination regulations.
WAEC announced on Monday that the administration of practical and theory papers for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates in 2024 began on Monday, August 19, 2024, following the completion of the Visual Arts Project work, which was held from August 5 to August 16, 2024.
The examination is set to conclude on Friday, September 20, 2024.
The Council revealed that, this year 460,611 candidates made up of 212,954 males and 247,657 females from 1,003 schools have registered for the examination, which will take place at 1,000 centers across the country.
The Council said this figure represents a 2.66% increase from the 448,674 candidates registered in 2023.
The Council expressed concern over potential mass cheating schemes revealing that intelligence information picked indicated that candidates in some parts of the country are being charged between GHS200.00 and GHS500.00 in order to receive assistance from invigilators. Additionally, some supervisors are planning to have teachers invigilate subjects they teach, and certain schools have registered individuals who are not their bona fide
students.
WAEC has also cautioned candidates to strictly adhere to the examination rules and regulations and to be vigilant against rogue website operators. These operators are known for circulating fake questions and enticing candidates to subscribe to these fraudulent materials, which distracts them from focusing on their studies.
“The Council wishes all candidates success in their papers and reminds them that they can pass their exams without cheating,” the statement concluded.
