The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has exposed a significant malpractice involving several staff members of its IT department and external examiners.

In a press release issued today, the Council revealed that these individuals were suspected of tampering with candidate grades within the WAEC data system.

The acting head of WAEC alerted the public to the suspicious activities in the IT department, particularly concerning the processing of data grades. It was discovered that certain staff and examiners were involved in dubious practices outside the Council, manipulating grades and awarding undeserved marks to candidates.

The Council assured the public that a thorough investigation was conducted prior to the release of the 2024 Government WASSCE Results. The delay in the release was attributed to this malpractice, where examiners were found to be assigning grades to candidates who did not merit them.

To rectify the situation and maintain the integrity of the examination process, WAEC stated that it had taken corrective measures. The Council has ensured that the deserving candidates have been awarded the correct grades, preventing further malpractice and upholding the standards of the examination.

WAEC also issued a stern warning to those involved in the grade manipulation scheme stating that any individual found guilty will face severe legal penalties. Candidates whose names are implicated in such acts will have their results investigated or withheld.

The Council urged its staff to refrain from engaging in such unethical behavior and to maintain their integrity within the educational system. To further safeguard the data and ensure accuracy, a reverse of the data process capturing grades has been conducted in collaboration with an international body.