The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a stern warning to candidates writing the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), saying anyone who assaults invigilators or supervisors will have their entire results cancelled and could be barred from writing future examinations for several years.
WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, issued the caution in an interview with Channel One News on Sunday, May 3, ahead of the commencement of the nationwide examination on Monday, May 4, 2026.
According to Mr Kapi, the Council is determined to ensure the integrity of the examination and will not tolerate any form of misconduct.
“Beyond assaulting invigilators, candidates found with prohibited materials, including mobile phones, will face severe sanctions,” he said.
Mr Kapi explained that bringing a mobile phone into the examination hall will result in the cancellation of the candidate’s entire results.
“So for mobile phone infractions, you have your entire results cancelled. Any candidate who comes into the examination hall with a mobile phone would have their entire results cancelled,” he stated.
He further advised candidates to report to their examination centres at least 30 minutes before the start of each paper, stressing that no latecomers will be allowed into the hall once the bell is rung.
Candidates have also been warned against bringing prepared notes, smartwatches, calculators, or attempting to seek assistance from outsiders.
The 2026 BECE is expected to see a total of 620,141 candidates from 20,395 schools across the country. This comprises 304,349 boys and 315,792 girls, representing an increase of 16,813 candidates (2.7%) over the 603,328 who sat the examination in 2025.