The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has unveiled final preparations for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), with a strong emphasis on compliance, security, and inclusivity. The exams are scheduled to take place from Wednesday, June 11 to Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
This year’s BECE sees a notable increase in participation, with 603,328 school candidates registered—up nearly 6% from 2024. The cohort consists of 297,250 boys and 306,078 girls from 20,395 schools nationwide, signaling a steady rise in access to basic education.
WAEC also revealed a significant jump in private candidate numbers, with 1,661 individuals set to take part—a 19.49% increase over last year. These exams will be conducted at 15 designated centres, mostly located in regional capitals.
But beyond the growing numbers, WAEC’s message this year is one of vigilance and discipline. The Council reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the examination process by enforcing its revised rules on malpractice, which have been in effect since 2023.
These rules target modern trends in cheating, including social media leaks, impersonation, and misconduct by school officials. WAEC cautioned that infractions such as posting live questions online or having unauthorized materials or inscriptions on clothing or the body will be met with serious consequences.
“This year’s examination will be conducted under strict adherence to our updated irregularities framework. All candidates, invigilators, and school authorities are expected to familiarize themselves with the rules, available on the Council’s website,” the statement emphasized.
This year also marks a turning point for private candidates. WAEC disclosed that it will be the final time the old syllabus will be used for some private entrants, as all candidates are expected to be aligned with the new curriculum from 2026 onward.
Importantly, WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity. Candidates with special educational needs have not been overlooked, with tailored provisions in place to ensure full participation.
“Parents, guardians, and school heads can be assured that no child will be disadvantaged. Every necessary step has been taken to accommodate candidates with special needs,” WAEC assured.
As the nation’s largest basic-level exam approaches, WAEC is urging all stakeholders—schools, parents, security agencies, and local communities—to ensure calm, discipline, and support across the more than 2,200 exam centres.
“The Council calls on all and sundry to help maintain peace and order at the examination centres. Let us support our candidates and give them a fair chance to succeed,” the statement concluded, wishing all candidates the best in their efforts.
