IN SHORT: A post circulating on Facebook in Nigeria claims that the West African Examinations Council has cancelled the English language exam and its results due to “misconduct”. But the council says the claim is false and could cause panic and confusion.
According to a message posted on Facebook, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has cancelled the English language examination in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The council is West Africa's leading examinations board, established to conduct public examinations and award certificates in English-speaking countries in the region.
It conducts the certificate examination twice a year, the first in May/June for school candidates and the second in October/November for private candidates.
Candidates sat for the English language examination on 28 May 2025. The WAEC examinations for school candidates end on 20 June.
The graphic in the post reads: “2025 ENGLISH EXAMINATION CANCELLED!”
It continues, in part: “The West African Examinations Council has decided to cancel the results. After a thorough investigation, an alarming number of candidates were found to have engaged in misconduct, including the unauthorized use of notes, collaboration and recording exam content inside examination halls.”
Late-night exams
After students completed the WASSCE English language examination, reports surfaced online claiming that the exam had been taken late into the night.
WAEC released a statement explaining why it took longer than expected to deliver the English examination papers to venues.
Those sharing the message suggest that the English language examination and its results have been cancelled due to issues that arose during the exam.
The message also appeared here and here on Facebook. (Note: See more instances listed at the end of this report.)
But has WAEC really cancelled the English examination and its results?
WAEC disowns state message
On 3 June, Moyosola Adesina, WAEC’s public affairs officer, said the public should disregard the circulating information.
Adesina confirmed that the examination in question has not been cancelled or any new date set for it to be re-done
In a media statement, Adesina further said: “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 for the examination.”
The council advised Nigerians to pay attention only to updates issued via their official website, verified social media accounts and accredited media platforms across the country.
More posts promoting this claim can be found here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.
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