The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has filed for a stay of execution following a High Court ruling that ordered the release of withheld West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.
On Thursday, January 30, the court ruled in favour of four students who filed an application on behalf of 10,520 candidates whose results had been withheld over alleged examination malpractices. The student’s legal representative, Martin Kpebu, argued that WAEC failed to specify the nature of the alleged irregularities that led to the withholding of the results.
In response, WAEC’s Head of Legal Affairs, Rev. Victor Brew, told JoyNews that the Council is seeking a reconsideration of the ruling.
“There has been a ruling, and we have filed a stay of execution pending appeal. Courts are human institutions—they make rulings, but they can also reconsider them. This is about seeking further clarification on the matter and urging the court to take a second look at its decision,” Rev. Brew stated.
He further raised concerns about the growing pressure on WAEC to release the withheld results without concluding its investigations.
“WAEC plays a crucial role in maintaining academic integrity by ensuring that only deserving candidates progress to professions such as law, medicine, and the judiciary. If, as a nation, we decide to allow a mass of students who have cheated to pass, then we must acknowledge that decision—but we should also remember the consequences of compromising the system,” he added.
The case has sparked debate over the balance between protecting academic integrity and ensuring that students are not unfairly penalized.
