False rumors of WAEC cancelling the 2025 English exam caused panic among students, but the Council swiftly dismissed the claims as fake and misleading.
WAEC confirmed the exam held as scheduled and warned against misinformation, urging candidates to stay calm and trust only verified official communications moving forward.
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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, has firmly denied widespread rumors claiming that the 2025 English Language examination written on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, was cancelled. The council described the claim as false, misleading, and the work of mischief-makers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 2, the Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, clarified that the purported press release circulating online did not emanate from WAEC and should be disregarded in its entirety.
“The management of the West African Examinations Council would like to state that the press release being circulated did not emanate from the Council,” Adesina stated. “The said examination has not been cancelled.”
The clarification comes amid a surge of misinformation on social media, including a fabricated press release dated May 30, which claimed the English Language paper had been nullified and that a new date would soon be announced. This rumor quickly spread across WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), sparking concern among students, parents, and school administrators.
WAEC confirms exam went ahead as scheduled
WAEC affirmed that the English Language paper was successfully administered as part of the ongoing WASSCE for School Candidates 2025, and there were no official disruptions warranting cancellation. While isolated cases of malpractice or disruptions may occur across centers, the Council emphasized that such incidents are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and do not result in blanket cancellations.
“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 and causing confusion and panic for candidates who sat the examination,” the statement read.
WAEC also reiterated its commitment to transparency and due process in the conduct of all its examinations, emphasizing that any official communication regarding exam cancellations or rescheduling will be made via its official social media channels and recognized media outlets.
Misinformation: A growing concern
The incident highlights growing concerns about the spread of exam-related misinformation, especially during national assessments that affect millions of students. In recent years, similar false claims about leaked papers, rescheduled exams, and cancellations have emerged during the WASSCE and other national examinations, often triggering panic and academic anxiety.
Educational stakeholders and digital literacy advocates are calling for tighter controls and greater media responsibility to curb such misinformation. Some have also suggested that WAEC consider watermarking or digitally verifying all press statements to reduce the chances of forgery.
WAEC urges calm and focus
Adesina used the opportunity to reassure candidates and stakeholders of WAEC’s continued professionalism, noting that the council has over 73 years of credible service in Nigeria’s educational system.
“We thank all stakeholders for the confidence reposed in us for seventy-three (73) years of conducting examinations, and we promise to always seek innovative ways to render quality services to the Nigerian child,” she concluded.
The Council urged candidates to stay focused on their ongoing papers and avoid being distracted by unverified information. With several subjects still left in the timetable, WAEC assured that all remaining papers would go ahead as scheduled.
Key points:
- WAEC did not cancel the 2025 English Language paper.
- Viral “press release” is fake and did not come from the Council.
- Candidates should rely only on official WAEC communications.
- Exams continue as scheduled nationwide.
