The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has responded to a widely circulated media report alleging that the Council’s delay in releasing a candidate’s 2023 WASSCE result has driven a teenager into depression, calling the claims misleading and unfair.
The report, titled “Release my son’s WAEC certificate now, he’s slipping into depression – Mother cries out,” featured a distressed mother accusing WAEC of withholding her son’s results without explanation, thereby denying him admission into a tertiary institution and affecting his mental health.
However, in a press statement issued Thursday by Moyosola Adesina, Acting Head of Public Affairs, WAEC dismissed the narrative, affirming that the Council does not withhold results arbitrarily but strictly follows due process, especially when examination malpractice is suspected.
“We have read the publication with a deep sense of concern,” the statement said. “As an organisation committed to delivering quality service to the Nigerian child, we cannot remain silent on this matter. We categorically reject the claim and wish to set the record straight.”
According to WAEC, results are withheld only in cases where credible reports of malpractice or exam irregularities are filed. Affected candidates, the Council said, are officially notified and offered an opportunity to respond through the WAEC Notice of Examinations Malpractice portal.
Adesina stressed that this process is transparent and well-publicised across press releases, social media platforms, and briefings conducted prior to exams.
“The Council is a law-abiding body that adheres to due process in all activities,” she added. “Every allegation is handled according to established procedures and legal frameworks.”
Despite this clarification, the concerned mother maintains that no official notice has been received. “We’ve checked the portal, nothing has been sent to us,” she insisted. “If there’s truly a case, why not write to us directly?”
In the face of continued public concern, WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, legal integrity, and educational excellence, while also acknowledging the emotional weight such issues can carry for affected families.
What you should know
WAEC has denied withholding results without justification, clarifying that only candidates implicated in exam malpractices face such actions. The Council says affected students are notified and allowed to respond through a designated portal.
Meanwhile, the mother of the student in question claims no official communication has been received, raising further calls for greater transparency and compassion in handling such sensitive matters.
