Ministry launches urgent probe after exam papers leak online

Nalova Lyonga, Cameroon’s Minister of Secondary Education, announced on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the postponement of the written exams for the GCE 2026. The decision follows the widespread circulation of confidential test questions on social media and the internet. All remaining written exams, originally scheduled from June 8 to 18, have been postponed indefinitely.

The new examination window has been set for June 22 to July 2, 2026. Technical and professional exams will proceed as planned. Authorities have opened a formal investigation to identify those responsible for the leak. Digital evidence has been handed over to investigating teams to trace the origin of this security breach.

Fake document fuels confusion

The Ministry has urged all 208,761 candidates to remain calm and use the additional two weeks for focused revision. On Sunday, a fabricated document circulating online claimed the Minister had reversed the decision to postpone the exams. However, this document has been debunked, and the rescheduling of exams from June 22 to July 2 remains in force.

Candidates are advised to report to their exam centers as scheduled this Monday. In Cameroon, the leakage of official exam papers on social media—commonly referred to as “l’eau”—has become an alarming and recurring issue, undermining the integrity of national diplomas such as the Baccalaureate and GCE.

WhatsApp and Telegram: hotspots for exam leaks

Platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have become primary channels for the spread of leaked exam materials. Confidential papers, sometimes accompanied by unofficial solutions, are distributed in the early hours of exam days, often hours before the tests begin. Such leaks have forced the Ministry of Secondary Education to repeatedly reschedule or postpone exams to preserve fairness among candidates.

Investigations have exposed critical weaknesses in the exam logistics chain, from the selection and validation of questions to printing and distribution. Instances of complicity involving teachers and administrative staff have been frequently reported. To combat this growing threat, authorities have intensified security protocols, including the introduction of QR codes and digitalization of exam materials.