The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reported a significant increase in arrests related to examination malpractice during the ongoing 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Mr. John Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, disclosed in an interview on Channel One on Thursday, June 13, that a total of 16 individuals have been apprehended so far in connection with these infractions.

Among the 16 individuals arrested, the majority are directly involved in the examination process. Specifically, 12 of those apprehended are invigilators, and one is a supervisor. Additionally, three individuals who are not directly affiliated with the examination process have also been taken into custody. Mr. Kapi provided a detailed breakdown, stating, “As of this morning, from my monitoring, we've hit 16 so far — 12 invigilators, one supervisor and three individuals who were not directly connected to the examination.”

The nature of the malpractices observed is varied and concerning. Mr. Kapi highlighted instances where invigilators were found dictating answers to candidates directly within the examination hall. Furthermore, some invigilators engaged in circulating snapshots of question papers on social media platforms, severely compromising the integrity of the examination. He confirmed that on Wednesday alone, three invigilators were arrested specifically for photographing question papers during the exams.

Beyond the actions of examination officials, external individuals have also attempted to interfere with the process. Two unaffiliated persons were caught trying to solve examination questions outside the hall and subsequently send the answers to candidates. One notable case involved an individual, who identified herself as a fashion designer, discovered with photocopied solutions intended for distribution at an examination center before her arrest. Disturbingly, there was also a reported case of assault on a WAEC monitor in one of the regions, underscoring the extent of the breaches. WAEC has strongly reiterated its unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity and sanctity of the BECE, issuing a stern warning that all persons found culpable in these acts of malpractice will be made to face the full rigors of the law.