This response follows widespread media coverage featuring a distressed mother pleading for the release of her son’s 2023 WASSCE certificate, claiming the delay has caused him emotional distress and hindered his admission into tertiary education.
In an official statement released Thursday and signed by Acting Head of Public Affairs Moyosola Adesina, WAEC expressed deep concern over the misleading publication titled, “RE: Release my son’s WAEC certificate now, he’s slipping into depression – Mother cries out.” The Council firmly rejected accusations of negligence and emotional harm.
Adesina clarified, “The Council does not withhold candidate(s) result(s) arbitrarily. Results are withheld only when a formal report of examination malpractice or irregularities is received. Affected candidates are promptly notified and given the opportunity to respond through the WAEC Notice of Examinations Malpractice portal.”
WAEC emphasized that information about the malpractice portal and procedures isconsistently communicated via press releases, social media, examination materials, and briefing sessions before every exam cycle.
“The West African Examinations Council is a law-abiding organization that follows due process in all its activities. Every reported case of malpractice is thoroughly investigated in line with established rules and regulations,” the statement added.
Despite WAEC’s clarification, some education experts and parents continue to advocate for greater transparency and sensitivity in handling cases involving young candidates.
The mother at the center of the controversy maintains she has received no official correspondence from WAEC regarding her son’s case. “We’ve checked the portal, nothing has been sent to us. If there’s truly a case, why not write to us directly?” she questioned.
WAEC reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing assessment standards and delivering quality education across West Africa, pledging ongoing improvements to its examination processes.
“As a world-class examining body, the Council will continue to use its best endeavors to improve the quality of assessment for the benefit of all stakeholders,” said the statement.
