By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Head of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Liberia, Dale G. Gbotoe, has announced the official commencement of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for 12th graders across Liberia, beginning today, May 15.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, Gbotoe outlined key updates, new guidelines, and a firm call for integrity as over 53,000 candidates sit the exams at 379 centers nationwide.
He assured the public that the Government of Liberia has fully covered the examination fees for all 53,201 registered students.
“This year’s exams come with new features and stronger security measures.
The questions will vary slightly from school to school to discourage malpractice and promote independent thinking among candidates.
Each student must focus on the specific questions presented to them,” Gbotoe disclosed.
The WAEC head noted that the examinations are being administered in 1,048 senior high schools, including 1,045 in Liberia and 3 schools from neighboring Guinea.
Out of the total schools, 856 are privately operated and account for 36,428 of the registered candidates, while 192 are public schools.
Gbotoe emphasized that this year, candidates are only required to pass four subjects to meet the minimum requirement, a change aimed at improving success rates and reducing exam pressure.
However, he urged students not to panic over the new method of question distribution and instead trust their preparation.
“We are introducing a system used by other countries, and it has proven effective.
Though the questions may not all be identical, there is no reason to fear. Stay calm, read carefully, and do your best,” he advised.
He also used the platform to outline strict rules and expectations for candidates, which include: arriving at exam centers by 7:30 AM, with exams starting promptly at 8:30 AM.
“Wearing school uniforms or any authorized school attire, such as ROTC T-shirts, avoiding the use of cell phones or electronic devices inside the exam halls; not paying any unofficial “flexibility” or facilitation fees and refraining from cheating, bringing in materials, or accepting outside help,” he warned.
He added, “WAEC exam centers are not places of worship. There should be no offering collections or distractions of any kind.
We have metal detectors in place to prevent smuggling of materials.”
He added that law enforcement is on standby to deal with any cases of malpractice, citing past incidents where teachers were caught helping students cheat during national assessments.
“Anyone found violating the rules will be held accountable,” he cautioned.
Gbotoe also discouraged overnight camping or large student gatherings before the test day, stating that these practices have often led to fatigue and poor performance during exams.
He hinted at Liberia’s interest in gradually transitioning public schools toward digital exams, following successful trials in private institutions.
“We are working to build the infrastructure for a future where Liberian students can take exams online, just like in other countries,” he said.
Gbotoe encouraged,“To all candidates, we believe in your ability. Stay focused, avoid distractions, and give this exam your best. Success awaits you.”
