WAEC Denounces Viral Misinformation on Cancelled Exam Results in Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria August 2025

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a strong warning to the general public to disregard a wave of false information circulating online about the cancellation of examination results for certain schools. The Council has clarified that these claims are completely unfounded and intended to mislead students, parents, and the broader educational community in Nigeria.

A Surge in Disinformation Targets WAEC’s Reputation

Over the past few days, multiple social media platforms and instant messaging apps have been flooded with unverified messages suggesting that WAEC had voided the results of several secondary schools across Nigeria. According to these messages, the cancellations allegedly stemmed from widespread exam malpractice or irregularities.

However, WAEC’s national office has categorically denied these reports, describing them as fake news designed to sow confusion and panic among students awaiting their results. In a public statement, WAEC emphasized that no school’s results have been nullified arbitrarily and that official communications will always be issued directly through WAEC’s verified channels.

Official Statement and Clarification from WAEC

In a press release made available to the media, WAEC stated that it maintains a strict and transparent process in the release of examination results. Any disciplinary actions or result cancellations if ever required follow a rigorous investigation, are based on verifiable evidence, and are communicated officially.

“We urge candidates and the general public not to fall for misleading posts or unverified claims. WAEC has not cancelled the results of any school,” the statement read. “All legitimate announcements will be published on our official website (waecnigeria.org) and verified social media accounts.”

Addressing Concerns Over Script Requests

In addition to the fake news about cancellations, WAEC also addressed another trending topic allegations that candidates were being denied access to their exam scripts upon request. The Council clarified that candidates have never had the right to request for or retrieve original answer booklets after the examination has concluded.

This policy exists to protect the integrity of the examination process and ensure fairness. WAEC reiterated that, while candidates may request remarking or lodge formal complaints through established procedures, exam scripts are considered the property of the Council and are not returned to students under any circumstances.

How Fake News Threatens Nigeria’s Educational Institutions

The rise in fake news surrounding WAEC examinations reflects a broader challenge within Nigeria’s digital information landscape. With millions of young Nigerians depending on WAEC for their academic progression, the spread of false narratives poses a serious threat to students’ mental well-being and public trust in key educational institutions.

Experts in education and digital policy warn that disinformation of this nature can cause long-term harm, including unnecessary anxiety among candidates, damage to institutional credibility, and even societal unrest when misinformation goes viral.

WAEC’s Commitment to Transparency and Integrity

As one of the most respected examination bodies in West Africa, WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding transparency, integrity, and fairness in its processes. The organization continues to invest in digital infrastructure and public communication strategies to counteract misinformation and to maintain public confidence.

Students, parents, and schools are encouraged to rely exclusively on information provided through WAEC’s official communication channels. In cases where clarity is needed, the Council advised that individuals contact WAEC’s helpdesk or regional offices directly for verification.

Call for Responsible Digital Citizenship

In response to the incident, digital literacy advocates are calling on the public to practice responsible sharing on social media. Before forwarding or reacting to sensitive claims especially those that affect national examinations or student outcomes citizens are encouraged to verify from reliable sources.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and civil society groups have joined the call, urging Nigerians to help stem the tide of disinformation. Educational institutions, media organizations, and influencers are also being asked to support fact-checking efforts and promote accurate reporting.

What Students Should Do While Awaiting Results

While the examination season always brings anxiety, WAEC has reminded candidates that results will be released according to the official academic calendar. Students are advised to focus on preparing for their next academic steps, whether that involves university applications, remedial programs, or skill development courses.

WAEC has also made available a secure results-checking platform for candidates to view their scores as soon as they are officially released. This can be accessed via WAEC’s website or through its SMS results service.

Conclusion: Fighting Misinformation with Facts

The recent wave of fake news targeting WAEC highlights a growing need for vigilance in the digital age. As technology becomes more integrated into education, the responsibility to protect the integrity of information falls on everyone from institutions and media to individuals. WAEC’s swift response demonstrates a commitment to accuracy and transparency, but it also underscores the importance of a digitally literate public that can discern truth from fiction.

For Nigerian students and families, the key takeaway is clear: trust only verified sources, report misinformation when seen, and remain focused on the path to academic success. In an era where falsehoods can go viral in seconds, truth remains our most valuable asset.

For accurate updates and exam-related announcements, visit WAEC Nigeria’s official website or follow their verified social media pages.

For further insights and related developments, read our in-depth report on WAEC’s warning regarding cancelled results.