WAEC Debunks Rumour of English Language Exam Cancellation in Ongoing 2025 WASSCE – What Students and Parents Must Know

 





The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially denied viral claims that the 2025 English Language paper in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has been cancelled. The council, through a press statement issued on Tuesday, June 2, 2025, by its Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, clarified that the widely circulated rumour is completely false and did not originate from WAEC.

According to the fake press release which made rounds on social media platforms, WAEC had supposedly cancelled the English Language exam written on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and was allegedly planning to announce a new date for the examination. However, WAEC has categorically debunked this claim, warning the public not to fall for misinformation being spread by mischief-makers.

In this article, we will break down WAEC’s full statement, explain what this means for candidates sitting for the 2025 WASSCE, and provide essential guidance on how students and parents can avoid fake news and rely on official WAEC channels for accurate updates.


What Really Happened? WAEC’s Official Statement

WAEC issued a strongly worded disclaimer regarding the rumour. Here is the full quote from the official statement released by Moyosola Adesina, Acting Head of Public Affairs, WAEC Nigeria:

“West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, has been drawn to a purported press release by the Council, spreading across various social media platforms. According to the press release dated Friday, 30th May 2025, ‘the English Language paper written on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in the ongoing WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025 has been cancelled, and a new date for the conduct of the examination will be announced soon.’

The management of the West African Examinations Council would like to state that the press release being circulated did not emanate from the Council. The said examination has not been cancelled. Although the source of that information cannot be ascertained yet, the Council is certain that the false claim is being peddled by mischief-makers who are bent on bringing the Council to disrepute to cause confusion and panic for candidates who sat the examination.

The Council would like to use this avenue to inform the general public and all stakeholders that pieces of information from the Council are disseminated via our official and verified social media handles, as well as accredited media platforms across the country. In the same vein, all press releases are issued and signed by the Public Affairs Department of the Council on behalf of the Head of National Office.

Once again, we thank all stakeholders for the confidence reposed in us for the seventy-three (73) years of conducting examinations, and we promise to always seek innovative ways to render quality services to the Nigerian child.”


Understanding the Impact of Fake News on Students

The rumour about the cancellation of the English Language paper, which is one of the most critical subjects in the WASSCE, caused panic and confusion among students, teachers, and parents. Many candidates were unsure whether they would need to re-sit the paper, and this uncertainty may have disrupted their ongoing exam preparations.

Unfortunately, this type of false information has become increasingly common, especially during major national examinations. With social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter (X), and Instagram being used to spread unverified claims, misinformation can reach thousands of students in minutes.

WAEC’s firm response serves as a timely reminder to students, parents, and schools to verify every information they receive, especially during exam periods.


Why the English Language Exam Rumour Was So Damaging

The English Language paper is a core subject in WASSCE. It is required for university admission and other post-secondary opportunities. Because of its importance, any news about its cancellation naturally causes anxiety.

By targeting such a key subject, the creators of this false rumour were able to stir up unnecessary fear, possibly with the aim of tarnishing WAEC’s reputation or even influencing illegal activities such as exam malpractice syndicates who prey on desperate candidates.


WAEC’s Warning: Only Trust Verified Sources

In the statement, WAEC emphasized that all official communications come only from its verified social media handles and recognized media channels. This is a very important point for students and guardians to remember.

WAEC stated:

“The Council would like to use this avenue to inform the general public and all stakeholders that pieces of information from the Council are disseminated via our official and verified social media handles, as well as accredited media platforms across the country.”

This means if you do not see an announcement from:

  • WAEC’s official Twitter/X handle

  • WAEC Nigeria’s Facebook page

  • National newspapers and WAEC’s website

  • Public statements signed by the Public Affairs Department

Then it is not official and should be treated as false until verified.


WAEC’s Legacy and Reassurance to the Public

In the final part of the statement, WAEC thanked stakeholders and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering credible examinations for Nigerian students. The Council said:

“Once again, we thank all stakeholders for the confidence reposed in us for the seventy-three (73) years of conducting examinations, and we promise to always seek innovative ways to render quality services to the Nigerian child.”

This statement highlights the long-standing credibility of WAEC. For over seven decades, the examination body has remained a pillar of academic integrity in West Africa. By addressing this issue swiftly, WAEC has shown it takes its responsibility seriously and will not allow misinformation to threaten the future of candidates.


What Students and Parents Should Do Now

Here are a few simple but important steps students and parents can take going forward:

1. Do Not Panic Over Viral News

Always take a step back and verify any claims you see online. If something sounds suspicious or unconfirmed, wait for an official statement before reacting.

2. Follow WAEC’s Verified Channels

You can follow WAEC on platforms like:

3. Ignore WhatsApp Broadcasts and Fake Screenshots

Many of the fake messages are shared through WhatsApp broadcasts or doctored screenshots pretending to be “press releases.” Do not forward them.

4. Stay Focused on Your Exams

The best way to respond to distractions is to stay focused and continue studying. Avoid unnecessary stress and concentrate on completing the rest of your exams successfully.


Final Words: Let’s Support Truthful Information

In this digital age, misinformation can spread faster than the truth. But with vigilance, critical thinking, and reliance on verified sources, we can protect ourselves and others from being misled.

WAEC has done the right thing by clarifying the status of the English Language paper in the ongoing 2025 WASSCE. The exam has not been cancelled. Students who wrote it on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, can rest assured that their paper is valid and will be marked accordingly.

Let us all play our part in sharing only truthful and verified information. If you see a suspicious message about WAEC or any other public examination, report it, don’t repost it.

For more updates about the 2025 WASSCE, WAEC news, and education-related updates in Nigeria, stay connected to NaijaRush.com – your trusted source for reliable information.