The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has successfully concluded the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates. This year’s examination, which began on August 5 with the Visual Art Project work, officially wrapped up on September 20. The exam period was marked by immense effort from various stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure that the process was as smooth and fair as possible. Despite these efforts, WAEC has identified a number of exam malpractices that occurred during the examination period.
In a press release following the conclusion of the exams, WAEC expressed its gratitude to the numerous stakeholders involved, including the Ghana Police Service, the National Intelligence Bureau, and the Ghana Education Service. These organizations played critical roles in safeguarding the integrity of the examination by monitoring and supervising the process across various exam centers in the country.
Commendations and Collaborations
The role played by these agencies cannot be overstated. Their involvement ensured that many centers adhered strictly to WAEC’s regulations, making sure that both candidates and officials respected the rules governing the examination. Furthermore, many supervisors, invigilators, and candidates were commended for their cooperation and adherence to these guidelines. WAEC highlighted that their compliance contributed to the smooth conduct of the exams at many centers.
However, as with any large-scale examination, there were instances where the rules were blatantly ignored. The council noted that despite stringent measures, some malpractices were still recorded during the examination period. While WAEC has made efforts in recent years to curb these unethical practices, it appears that some candidates and even exam officials found ways to bypass the system.
Overview of Malpractices Recorded
Here are six key examination malpractices that were recorded during the 2024 WASSCE. These infractions involved not only candidates but, alarmingly, in some cases, the supervisors and invigilators tasked with maintaining order and fairness during the exam.
1. Photocopying of Answers and Distribution to Candidates
One of the more organized and concerning infractions recorded was the photocopying of answers and the subsequent distribution to candidates. In these cases, individuals with access to examination materials found ways to illegally provide answers to students during or just before the exam. This malpractice not only undermines the credibility of the exam but also disadvantages honest candidates who rely solely on their preparation and hard work.
This practice highlights a broader issue of integrity, where students are pressured to pass at any cost, and some individuals are willing to exploit the system for financial or personal gain.
2. Hiding of Foreign Materials on Candidates in the Examination Halls
Another malpractice involved candidates smuggling foreign materials, such as notes or textbooks, into the examination halls. These materials were hidden on their person and used during the exam to provide answers to the questions. This infraction is a longstanding issue in many exam settings where students feel that bringing in illicit materials will give them an unfair advantage.
WAEC, in collaboration with security personnel, managed to catch several candidates in the act. However, the challenge remains in ensuring that more stringent checks are implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future.
3. Smuggling of Mobile Phones into the Examination Halls by Candidates and Teachers
Despite the strict rules banning the use of mobile phones in examination halls, several cases of candidates, and even teachers, sneaking phones into the examination room were reported. This is particularly concerning because mobile phones provide quick access to the internet and social media, enabling candidates to either search for answers online or communicate with individuals outside the exam room.
Teachers who are supposed to enforce the rules were also implicated in this malpractice, which raises serious questions about the integrity of some exam officials. The presence of mobile phones in exam settings is not only a violation of WAEC’s rules but also represents a significant threat to the fairness of the entire process.
4. Writing Answers on Boards for Candidates to Copy
In some exam centers, invigilators were caught writing answers on boards for candidates to copy. This practice suggests a high level of complicity between candidates and invigilators, with the latter willing to assist students in passing the exam by unethical means.
This malpractice not only puts honest candidates at a disadvantage but also undermines the credibility of the entire examination process. It reveals a systemic issue where some individuals in positions of authority are willing to compromise the standards of education for personal gain or as a favor to students.
5. Use of Projectors to Display Answers for Candidates
Perhaps one of the most alarming reports was the use of projectors to display answers on boards for candidates to copy. This method represents a more technologically advanced form of cheating, where exam officials or accomplices utilize technology to broadcast answers to an entire room of candidates.
This infraction demonstrates the lengths to which some individuals are willing to go to ensure candidates cheat. It also shows how some exam centers are finding increasingly sophisticated ways to bypass WAEC’s security measures. This trend highlights the need for more technological countermeasures to prevent such large-scale malpractices.
6. Use of Mobile Phones to Share Questions on Social Media
In addition to smuggling phones into examination halls, some candidates used their phones to take pictures of exam questions and post them on social media platforms. Once shared, others could quickly respond with answers, which were then circulated among candidates during the exam.
This method of cheating not only demonstrates the pervasive role of technology in modern-day exam malpractices but also the need for WAEC to employ more advanced surveillance techniques. It’s a growing concern that social media platforms, originally intended for communication and entertainment, are now being used as tools to perpetuate unethical behavior in educational settings.
Sanctions and the Way Forward
In response to these malpractices, WAEC has assured the public that individuals found culpable will face strict sanctions. These penalties are outlined in the Council’s examination regulations and include the possible cancellation of results, barring candidates from future exams, and in severe cases, legal action against offenders.
Moreover, the Council has emphasized the need for all stakeholders—students, teachers, parents, and exam officials—to prioritize integrity and honesty in the examination process. WAEC remains committed to ensuring that the WASSCE continues to serve as a fair and reliable assessment tool that reflects the true capabilities of students.
In conclusion, Exam malpractices are a pervasive issue that continues to challenge the credibility of standardized testing, not only in Ghana but across the West African region. While WAEC and its collaborators have made significant strides in curbing these unethical practices, the battle is far from over. As technology evolves, so do the methods of cheating, and WAEC will need to continually adapt its security measures to stay ahead.
In the end, the integrity of the examination process lies in the hands of all stakeholders involved. By fostering a culture of honesty, hard work, and accountability, Ghana can ensure that future WASSCE examinations produce results that accurately reflect the knowledge and skills of its students.
