Head of Public Affairs for the West African Examination Council (WAEC), John Kapi, has issued a stern warning to BECE candidates about attempting to bribe invigilators by placing money and contact information in their answer booklets.
Speaking at a press conference to outline the 2024 BECE rules and regulations, Mr. Kapi highlighted a troubling trend where candidates seek external assistance during exams.
He emphasized that such actions are serious offences and assured that those caught will face strict consequences.
“The council has noted with concern a number of cases where candidates write telephone numbers or phrases such as ‘call me,’ ‘help me,’ or ‘just call my mom,’ etc. in their answer booklets.
Others also insert various sums of money in their answer booklets soliciting help from examiners.
“We wish to state clearly that this is classified as seeking external assistance and is a punishable offence,” he added.
Mr. Kapi also issued a warning against the use of mobile phones and other electronic communication devices by candidates in the exam halls.
He stated that candidates caught committing such offences will have their entire exams cancelled.
He urged parents to ensure their children comply with these directives to avoid the risk of having their results invalidated.
“Mobile phones and other electronic communication devices are prohibited at examination centres.
Neither supervisors, invigilators nor candidates are permitted to bring mobile phones into examination halls,” he stressed.