WAEC warns BECE candidates: Assaulting an invigilator risks permanent examination ban

• Posted on May 4, 2026May 4, 2026
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a stern warning to candidates sitting the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), cautioning that any student who assaults an invigilator risks a permanent ban from all future examinations conducted by the Council.

The warning comes as 619,985 candidates nationwide begin the high-stakes examination, which runs from Monday, May 4 to Monday, May 11, with two papers daily at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

WAEC officials say the warning is part of a broader effort to maintain order, discipline, and the integrity of the examination process across all centres. Invigilators, who serve as the frontline guardians of examination credibility, must be able to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation, harassment, or physical harm, the Council stressed.

Under WAEC’s examination regulations, candidates found guilty of assaulting or threatening examination officials face some of the most severe sanctions available to the Council — including the cancellation of all subject results, a ban from future sittings, and potential referral for criminal prosecution. WAEC made clear that such offences will be treated with zero tolerance.

The caution extends beyond physical assault. Any attempt to intimidate, obstruct, or interfere with the work of an invigilator, whether through threatening language, disruptive behaviour, or deliberate non-compliance with instructions will be treated as a serious breach of examination conduct.

Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East Regional Controller of WAEC, Daniel Nii Dodoo, who has been at the forefront of the Council’s public messaging ahead of the examinations, reiterated that WAEC’s priority is a credible, transparent, and safe process for all involved, candidates and officials alike.

“Every invigilator on duty deserves to work in a safe environment. Any candidate who threatens that safety will face the full consequences of our regulations,” he stated.

WAEC also urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to reinforce these standards at home and in schools, reminding them that the conduct of candidates during the examination is a reflection of the values instilled in them.

The Council reaffirmed that success in the 2026 BECE must be built on discipline, integrity, and respect — both for the process and for the people who administer it.