WAEC Issues Strong Warning to BECE Candidates Over Assault on Invigilators.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has cautioned candidates participating in the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) that any form of assault against invigilators could result in a lifetime ban from all future examinations conducted by the Council.
The directive comes as a total of 619,985 candidates across the country begin the week-long examination, which runs from May 4 to May 11, with two papers scheduled daily.
According to WAEC, the warning forms part of efforts to ensure discipline, order, and credibility throughout the examination process. The Council emphasized that invigilators play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of exams and must be allowed to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or harm.
Under existing regulations, candidates found guilty of assaulting or threatening examination officials face severe consequences. These include the cancellation of all results, a ban from future examinations, and possible criminal prosecution. WAEC stressed that such misconduct will be treated with zero tolerance.
The Council further clarified that the sanctions are not limited to physical attacks alone. Acts such as verbal threats, disruptive behaviour, refusal to follow instructions, or any attempt to obstruct invigilators will also be considered serious violations.
A regional WAEC official, Daniel Nii Dodoo, reiterated the Council’s commitment to ensuring a safe and transparent examination environment for both candidates and supervisors. He noted that invigilators deserve protection while carrying out their responsibilities.
WAEC has also called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to help instill discipline and proper conduct in candidates, highlighting that students’ behaviour during examinations reflects the values they have been taught.
The Council concluded by emphasizing that success in the BECE should be achieved through hard work, integrity, and respect for rules, rather than misconduct or intimidation.