WAEC breaks silence over rumoured cancellation of English Language exam

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has firmly denied widespread rumours that it cancelled the English Language examination held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

The exam, which was written at night due to concerns over a possible paper leak, had sparked national outrage and confusion among candidates and parents alike. However, WAEC has clarified that no cancellation took place.

In a statement released by the acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, the council explained that it only took urgent and proactive measures to safeguard the integrity of the examination after receiving credible intelligence of a security breach.

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Adesina also dismissed a fake press release dated Friday, May 30, which falsely claimed that the paper had been cancelled and would be rescheduled. The council urged the public to rely only on official channels for updates.

It reads: “The attention of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, has been drawn to a purported press release by the council, spreading across various social media platforms. According to the press release, dated Friday, May 30, 2025, ‘The English Language paper written on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in the ongoing WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025 has been cancelled, and a new date for the conduct of the examination will be announced soon’.

“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. Although the source of that information cannot be ascertained yet, the council is certain that the false claim is being peddled by mischief-makers who are bent on bringing the council to disrepute to cause confusion and panic for candidates who sat the examination.

“The council would like to use this avenue to inform the general public and all stakeholders that pieces of information from the council are disseminated via our official and verified social media handles, as well as accredited media platforms across the country. In the same vein, all press releases are issued and signed by the Public Affairs Department of the council on behalf of the Head of National Office.”