The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has assured the public that it is diligently working to release the withheld results of the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). In a statement, WAEC acknowledged that some candidates' results have been withheld due to irregularities and discrepancies in their examination scripts. Specifically, the results of 33 school candidates and three private candidates are under investigation. Furthermore, subject results from candidates in 149 schools are also being reviewed because of concerns raised regarding possible malpractices during the examination process.
John Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs for WAEC, addressed these issues, calling for patience and understanding from affected candidates and their families. He explained that while the situation is regrettable, the delays are necessary to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the examination results. Kapi urged parents and guardians not to panic, emphasizing that the council is working tirelessly to resolve the situation. He explained that the pending results are primarily due to mistakes made by both the examination supervisors and some candidates who failed to adhere to the required instructions during the examination.
Kapi provided specific examples of the types of errors that have led to the withholding of certain results. He noted that in some cases, examination scripts had been incorrectly submitted, making it impossible for examiners to properly mark them. For instance, he cited an example where a music script had been evaluated, but due to improper handling, the design portion of the exam was not made available to the correct examiner. Such issues, Kapi said, must be rectified before the results can be released. These discrepancies have caused delays as WAEC works to correct the mistakes and ensure that all aspects of the examination are properly assessed.
In his appeal to parents, Kapi stressed that WAEC fully understands the anxiety that comes with waiting for examination results, especially when they are delayed. However, he reassured them that WAEC has been working around the clock to expedite the process. The council's staff has been engaged in long hours of work, even extending their efforts into the night, to address the challenges associated with the withheld results. He expressed optimism that the results would be released soon and urged all affected parties to remain calm as the council concludes its review.
The issue of examination malpractice and irregularities is not new to WAEC, and the council has consistently emphasized the importance of following proper procedures to maintain the credibility of its examinations. While the council works to resolve this current situation, it also serves as a reminder to both students and exam supervisors of the need to adhere strictly to examination rules and guidelines. By doing so, such complications can be avoided in the future, ensuring a smoother and more efficient examination process.
WAEC is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the withheld BECE results are processed and released as soon as possible. The council is committed to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and transparency in its examination processes, and the current delays are a reflection of its dedication to ensuring that all candidates are assessed accurately and equitably. Affected candidates and their families are urged to remain patient, as the council works diligently to resolve the outstanding issues and provide the final results.