The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has reported that the scripts of 22,270 candidates, who took certain subjects in the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), have been withheld for further scrutiny due to instances of mass cheating.

The outcome of investigations will determine whether these candidates’ results will be cancelled or released, as stated by WAEC.

This disclosure follows the recent release of provisional results for the BECE on WAEC’s official website, www.waecgh.org.

The examination involved a total of 600,900 candidates from 18,993 participating schools, including 300,404 males and 300,496 females. Among the candidates were 53 with visual impairment, 366 with hearing impairment, and 54 with other special educational needs. The examination took place at 2,137 centers across the country, with 3,366 candidates reported as absent.

The BECE for Private Candidates recorded an entry figure of 1,839 candidates, comprising 942 males and 897 females. The examination was conducted in 15 centers, mainly in regional capitals, with 61 candidates reported as absent.

In response to irregularities detected during the examination and marking of scripts, the 34th Meeting of the Final Awards and Examiners’ Appointment Committee for BECE, held on November 6, 2023, approved the following actions:

1. Subject Results for 312 school candidates and 3 private candidates were cancelled due to the use of foreign materials during the examination and collusion with other candidates.
2. Entire Results for 41 school candidates and 1 private candidate were cancelled for possessing mobile phones in the examination hall.
3. Subject Results for 180 school candidates and 4 private candidates were withheld for various suspected offences.
4. Entire Results for 110 school candidates and 2 private candidates were withheld for various suspected offences.

WAEC has issued a warning to all stakeholders regarding fraudulent individuals offering to upgrade results for a fee. Candidates are advised to note that WAEC results are secure and can be authenticated.