Why We Can’t Cancel 2025 WASSCE English Language Exam – WAEC

The West African Examinations Council , Nigeria, has debunked claims that the English Language paper written during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, 2025, has been cancelled.

A viral press release, dated Friday, May 30, 2025, and circulated widely on social media platforms, falsely claimed that the May 28 English Language examination had been cancelled and that a new date would be announced.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, WAEC described the release as fake and the work of “mischief-makers.”

“The management of the West African Examinations Council would like to state that the press release being circulated did not emanate from the council.

“The said examination has not been cancelled,” the statement signed by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, read.

Although the origin of the false document is still unknown, WAEC emphasised that its communication with the public is strictly through verified channels.

The statement added, “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 the examination.”

WAEC further urged the general public, including candidates, parents, and schools, to disregard such unverified information and rely solely on official communication.

“All pieces of information from the council are disseminated via our official and verified social media handles, as well as accredited media platforms across the country.

“In the same vein, all press releases are issued and signed by the Public Affairs Department of the Council on behalf of the Head of National Office,” it stated.

Reassuring stakeholders, the council thanked the public for their continued trust over the past 73 years, adding that it remains committed to improving service delivery to Nigerian students.

“Once again, we thank all stakeholders for the confidence reposed in us… and we promise to always seek innovative ways to render quality services to the Nigerian child,” WAEC said.

OSUN DEFENDER had earlier reported that the examination was conducted late at night, far beyond the scheduled time, on May 28, 2025.

This, according to multiple reports, may have fuelled speculation that the exam had been cancelled.

The examination body, however, blamed the delay in the conduct of the paper on heightened efforts to curb examination malpractice, particularly the leakage of question papers.

It was gathered that some officials of the exam body might be connected to the leakage, particularly the circulation of the English Language paper to the public four days before the examination.