By GhanaNewsPage 
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has taken a bold step toward upholding the integrity of its examinations by revoking the accreditation of 574 schools across member countries.
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This decisive action follows a series of investigations into widespread examination malpractice, non-compliance with regulations, and unethical conduct during recent WASSCE and BECE examinations.
WAEC’s Crackdown on Malpractice
According to a statement released by the Council, the revocation affects schools in Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia—all member states under WAEC’s jurisdiction. These schools were found guilty of various offenses including:
- Assisting students to cheat during examinations
- Leaking exam questions or distributing unauthorized materials
- Disrupting monitoring efforts by WAEC supervisors
- Failing to meet basic infrastructural and administrative standards required for accreditation
WAEC officials noted that this move is part of a broader strategy to restore public trust in its examinations and eliminate “miracle centers” that promote examination fraud.
Details of the Revoked Schools
The affected schools include both public and private institutions, with a significant number being privately owned senior high schools and remedial centers. Some were also found to be operating without proper registration or using fake accreditation documents.
In Ghana alone, over 100 schools were affected by the ban, particularly those in regions known to be hotspots for malpractice in past exams. WAEC stated that the list of these schools would be published on their official website to warn parents, students, and other stakeholders.
Official Statement from WAEC
In the official release, WAEC emphasized that the revocation is permanent unless the schools are able to reapply and meet all compliance standards in subsequent reviews.
“WAEC remains committed to delivering credible and reliable assessments. Any institution that undermines the credibility of our exams will be sanctioned without hesitation,” the statement read.
WAEC also warned other institutions to ensure strict adherence to guidelines or face similar consequences.
What This Means for Students and Parents
For students currently enrolled in the affected schools, WAEC has urged them to transfer to accredited institutions before registering for upcoming exams. The Council also encouraged parents to verify the status of schools before enrolling their wards, using the updated list of approved examination centers available on the WAEC portal.
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WAEC’s Commitment to Examination Integrity
This large-scale revocation underscores WAEC’s renewed effort to combat exam malpractice and protect the value of its certificates, which are recognized across West Africa and internationally.
The Council has also introduced digital surveillance, enhanced supervisor training, and stricter rules for school registration as part of its broader reforms in 2025 and beyond.
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