The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a strong warning to over 620,000 candidates preparing for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), scheduled to commence nationwide on Monday, May 4. The council is emphasizing strict adherence to examination regulations, with severe sanctions, including result cancellations and future exam bans, awaiting any candidate found assaulting officials or possessing prohibited items like mobile phones.
This year’s examination marks a significant undertaking, with 620,141 candidates from 20,395 schools registered to participate. The figure represents a slight increase of 2.7 percent from the previous year, indicating a growing number of students entering this critical academic milestone. The breakdown shows 304,349 boys and 315,792 girls will be tested.
Context of the BECE
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is a pivotal examination administered by WAEC at the end of junior high school. It serves as a gateway for students to progress to senior high school and is a crucial determinant of their future academic pathways. The examination assesses students’ knowledge and skills acquired during their basic education years.
Given its importance, the integrity of the examination process is paramount. WAEC, as the examining body, is responsible for ensuring a fair and secure environment for all candidates. This involves implementing robust invigilation and monitoring systems to prevent any form of malpractice.
Zero Tolerance for Malpractice
WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, underscored the council’s unwavering stance against examination malpractice during a recent interview. He explicitly stated that such misconduct would not be tolerated and that candidates must comply fully with all regulations throughout the examination period.
Key among the prohibitions are the possession of mobile phones, prepared notes, smartwatches, and calculators. Seeking outside assistance during the examination is also strictly forbidden. Any candidate found violating these rules faces stringent disciplinary action.
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