WAEC Introduces Customised Question Papers to Tackle Exam Malpractice Across West Africa

West Africa — In a landmark move aimed at restoring credibility to public examinations, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the launch of customised question papers for individual candidates across the region. This new measure is designed to combat examination malpractice, which has plagued the system for years.

The initiative, revealed during a high-level briefing with secondary school principals, will be implemented in select subjects, including English Language (Papers 1 & 3), Biology 1, Mathematics 1, and Economics 1. Under the new system, each student will receive a uniquely generated question paper tied directly to their personalised Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet.

WAEC officials explained that the policy is structured to undermine the foundations of malpractice—namely impersonation, collusion, and leaked questions—by ensuring no two candidates have the same set of exam questions.

In situations where a candidate’s customised paper is unavailable, supervisors are instructed to distribute emergency versions alongside plain OMR sheets. This, WAEC stated, demands strict compliance and vigilance from all examination personnel.

"This move is a game-changer," said a senior WAEC official. "Organised cheating rings and the era of leaked exam questions are coming to an end."

Education professionals have hailed the development as a significant step forward. A Lagos-based teacher urged parents and guardians to begin preparing students for a future that demands diligence and independent study. “The days of shortcuts are fading. It’s time for students to return to the basics—hard work and consistency.”

Parents are also encouraged to support their children by providing quiet and resource-rich study environments at home or alternative learning spaces during holidays. Updated textbooks, study materials, and emotional encouragement are now considered essential for academic success under the new system.

The introduction of customised question papers is seen as WAEC’s strongest stance yet in its commitment to academic fairness and integrity across West Africa.