Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has extended goodwill messages to candidates across the country as the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) begins today, urging them to remain confident, disciplined and focused throughout the examination period.
In a message issued on Monday, May 3, the Tamale South MP encouraged candidates to rely on their preparation and approach each paper with calm determination.
“As students across the country prepare to write the BECE tomorrow, I wish you all the very best,” he said. “Stay calm, be confident, and give your best in every paper.”
He further reminded candidates to uphold academic integrity, stressing that honesty remains a key expectation during the examination period.
“Remember to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity,” he added.
Mr Iddrisu noted that months of preparation should give students confidence as they enter the examination halls, encouraging them to trust in their efforts.
“Your hard work has brought you this far; trust in it. Good luck and success to you all,” he said.
Meanwhile, more than 620,000 candidates nationwide are expected to take part in this year’s BECE, which runs from May 4 to May 11.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has confirmed that 620,141 candidates from 20,395 schools will sit for the examination across the country.
This year’s exercise is being conducted under heightened vigilance, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb examination malpractice.
WAEC has warned candidates to strictly adhere to examination rules, cautioning that any form of misconduct will attract sanctions.






















