By Olimatou Coker
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) in partnership with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) yesterday responded to reported plans to leak the WASSCE 2025 examination papers on the social media.
MoBSE and the Banjul Office of WAEC released a statement noting “with serious concern” an article circulating online alleging a planned leakage of the papers.
According to a press release, the article specifically mentioned the purported creation of a WhatsApp group intended to facilitate examination malpractice for Gambian candidates. Furthermore, the article named individuals and provided mobile phone numbers alleged to be associated with this criminal activity.
“The ministry and WAEC wish to unequivocally inform all candidates for the WASSCE (SC) 2025, parents, school authorities, and the general public that any claim or attempt to provide candidates with access to the council’s examination papers prior to the officially scheduled time is entirely fraudulent. Such activities are perpetrated by unscrupulous individuals driven solely by the intent to defraud candidates and parents, and to undermine the integrity of our national examinations. These actions are in no way intended to assist students.”
They assured that WAEC has implemented “comprehensive and robust measures across all stages of the examination process, from the secure management of test papers to the marking and processing of results, to effectively prevent the leakage” of examination materials.
“It is highly improbable that any illicitly obtained question papers which are often counterfeit, can circumvent these stringent controls. Engaging in such fraudulent schemes will undoubtedly result in the deception and financial exploitation of vulnerable candidates, diverting their focus and hindering their ability to rely on their own academic capabilities to achieve success through fair means,” it stated.
The ministry and WAEC said they are collaborating with the national security services to rigorously pursue and prosecute individuals involved in the creation and dissemination of such fraudulent postings.
They urged school administrators and all relevant stakeholders to adequately sensitise their students regarding the absolute futility and severe consequences of engaging with such fraudulent individuals.
High rates of diarrhoea and drug resistance in Basse prompt calls for a vaccine
A press release from MRC-Gambia yesterday stated that the Shigella Surveillance Study under the Enterics for Global Health (EFGH), revealed high rates of Shigella infections and antimicrobial resistance in the Upper River Region of The Gambia. Shigella are bacteria or germs that cause diarrhoea.
Launched in 2022, the study investigated the burden of Shigella-related diarrhoea – a major contributor to childhood illness and death in low-resource settings. Its findings raise concerns about current treatment and control efforts.
The release stated: “The study was conducted in Basse and led by MRC-Gambia researchers in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, community health centres, district hospitals, and local authorities played an active role, helping gather data from patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers.
“Findings shared during a dissemination meeting held on 15th April, 2025, revealed a high prevalence of Shigella infections among children aged 6 to 35 months, along with increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. These results emphasise an urgent need to revise treatment guidelines, invest in diagnostics, and fast-track vaccine development.
“The findings carry far-reaching implications for public health – both locally and globally. In The Gambia, they will support the Ministry of Health in refining diarrhoeal disease management strategies. Globally, they add to the growing body of evidence on antimicrobial resistance in vulnerable populations.”
At the event, Samba Bah, deputy director of the Regional Health Directorate, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the MRC-G’s work.
“This study reinforces the value of strong collaboration between MRC-G and the Ministry of Health. The findings provide critical data that will guide our response strategies. With this evidence in hand, the regional health Directorate reaffirms its commitment to supporting MRC-G initiatives aimed at improving public health in the Upper River Region. Together, we can shape informed interventions and improve health outcomes for our communities.”
“These results highlight the urgent need to address antibiotic resistance and improve sanitation and hygiene,” said Dr Jahangir Hossain, principal investigator of the study. “We will be engaging with the Ministry of Health, WHO, GAVI, and other key stakeholders to discuss prioritising the development and introduction of a Shigella vaccine in The Gambia. We are deeply grateful to the communities, participants, and health workers who made this research possible.”
Moving forward, the EFGH team will continue engaging with local communities through village-level meetings, ensuring that participants, elders, and local leaders are informed about the study findings and their implications, and are equipped to support prevention and mitigation efforts, the release concluded.
