WAEC denies cancelling the 2025 WASSCE English exam after viral fake news, as it faces ₦100B lawsuit for student mistreatment.
Published:
June 5, 2025 at 6:03:22 AM
Modified:
June 5, 2025 at 6:03:22 AM
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has denied rumors that the 2025 WASSCE English Language exam was cancelled, even as the council now faces a ₦100 billion lawsuit over the treatment of students during the exam.
No Cancellation, Says WAEC
WAEC Nigeria said the viral news claiming that the May 28 English Language exam was cancelled is false. A fake press release had circulated online, saying a new exam date would be announced.
In an official statement on Tuesday, WAEC said:
“The management of the West African Examinations Council would like to state that the press release being circulated did not emanate from the council.”
“The said examination has not been cancelled,” said Moyosola Adesina, Acting Head of Public Affairs.
WAEC noted that all its official communications are only made through verified channels and warned the public to ignore any unverified statements.
“The council is certain that the false claim is being peddled by mischief-makers who are bent on bringing the council to disrepute,” the statement added.
WAEC also reminded parents, schools, and candidates to always check their official social media handles and trusted news platforms for updates.
“All press releases are issued and signed by the Public Affairs Department of the Council on behalf of the Head of National Office.”
Late-Night Exams Raise Concerns
Reports from May 28 showed that some students wrote the English Language paper very late at night, with some centers starting as late as 8 pm. This raised panic and may have contributed to the fake cancellation rumor.
WAEC blamed the delays on tightened security to stop exam leaks and malpractice.
An investigation by Sunday PUNCH found that the English Language questions were leaked online four days before the exam, with suspicion falling on insiders within WAEC.
₦100 Billion Lawsuit Filed Against WAEC, Ministry of Education
Human rights lawyer Evans Ufeli has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos, demanding ₦100 billion in damages from WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education.
He accused both institutions of putting students through harsh and unsafe conditions, especially during the English Language paper.
“Some students were forced to write exams under poor lighting in unsecured locations as late as 8pm,” Ufeli said.
The suit claims this treatment violated the 1999 Constitution, the Child Rights Act, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Key Demands in Court Filing
In his court documents, Ufeli asked for:
A rescheduling of all exams affected by delays
A public apology from WAEC and the Ministry
A review of WAEC’s logistics and exam planning
₦100 billion in damages for the trauma and harm caused to students
This case is not just about one paper. It is about the future of a generation,” Ufeli wrote.“The law does not permit the State or its agencies to sacrifice the rights and well-being of students on the altar of bureaucratic ineptitude.”
Next Steps
Civil groups and lawmakers had earlier raised alarms about the poor logistics during the 2025 WASSCE. A hearing date for the court case is yet to be set.
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