The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that it has withheld the results of 215,267 candidates who sat the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This represents 11.92% of the total 1,805,216 candidates who sat for the examination in Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia between April 30 and June 24, 2024.

WAEC’s decision to withhold results was due to multiple reported cases of cheating. Dr. Amos Dangut, Director General of WAEC Nigeria, cited the illegal use of mobile phones in examination rooms and organized cheating schemes as major concerns. However, the rate of withheld results in 2024 decreased by 4.37% compared to the previous year, with 16.29% of applicants facing similar sanctions.

The board's decision to withhold results is not only punitive but also intended to deter future poor performance, reinforcing the message that integrity is paramount in academic assessment. Candidates also have been given a platform to challenge these decisions if they wish to seek redress.

Despite the challenges posed by the examination irregularities, overall performance of candidates in the 2024 WASSCE showed some positive results. According to WAEC, 73.79% of candidates achieved credits or higher in at least five subjects, with 72.12% exceeding this criterion, including English and Mathematics. However, this represents an increase of 7.69% on the previous year's pass rate, suggesting that while some candidates excelled, the overall trend may reflect the pressures and challenges faced during the examination.

The 2024 WASSCE results and the subsequent non-disclosure of a significant number of candidates due to examination fraud have highlighted a critical moment for WAEC and the educational landscape in West Africa. As the council continues to grapple with complexities of maintaining examination integrity, it faces the dual challenge of tackling malpractice while ensuring that deserving candidates are not unduly penalized.

The ongoing investigations and actions taken to maintain examination standards are essential steps in promoting a culture of honesty and accountability in education. In its development, the Council must balance its efforts to combat errors in practice and support deserving candidates in their studies, while ensuring the reliability of its examinations.

Read more on https://mercyblog.com.ng/2024/08/13/exam-malpractice-rampant-waec-flags-215267-candidates-in-2024-wassc/