The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has disclosed that some candidates have been found hiding money and phone numbers in their answer booklets to influence examiners.
According to the Head of Corporate Affairs, John Kapi, the candidates add notes asking the examiners to call them.
“The Council has noted with concern a number of cases where candidates write telephone numbers or the phrase, “help me”, “call me”, “just call my mum” etc. in their answer booklets. Others also insert various amounts of money in their answer booklets soliciting help from examiners,” Mr Kapi said.
He said this strategy is one of many examination malpractices WAEC has uncovered.
However, he said the council has taken measures to curtail such practices ahead of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
“Supervisors and invigilators are to search candidates thoroughly to ensure that they do not have in possession mobile phones or any other foreign materials in the examination hall. Proprietors of schools, teachers and all other persons not involved in the conduct of the examination are not allowed at the examination centres,” he added.
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Mr Kapi also warned that any candidate caught in such an act would be punished according to the law.
In addition, he said candidates should note that tearing their question paper or answer booklet during the examination, refusing to submit work scripts after the examination, and seeking or receiving help from non-candidates are forms of examination malpractice.
Meanwhile, the BECE is scheduled to commence on Monday, July 8 and end on Monday, July 15, 2024, at all centres across the country.
This follows earlier concerns about the exam body owing their suppliers, potentially impacting exam operations.