Serious examination malpractice disrupted the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) at Muslim Congress High School in Central Monrovia.
Triggering tensions between school authorities and a police officer assigned to provide security at the examination center.
The incident reportedly involved Mohammed Watson, the WASSCE Supervisor and Vice Principal for Instruction at the school, and Liberia National Police Officer Mark Williams, who claimed he had been officially deployed by his superiors to monitor security during the national examinations.
According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation erupted after Officer Williams allegedly accused Supervisor Watson of providing examination answers to students while the test was in progress.
The accusation quickly escalated into a heated dispute, attracting the attention of students, teachers, and examination officials on campus.
Officer Williams reportedly described the alleged action as a serious breach of examination regulations and an act that could undermine the credibility and integrity of Liberia’s educational assessment system.
The allegation has since generated widespread concern among stakeholders in the education sector.
Witnesses said the disagreement caused significant disruption at the examination center, with students becoming distracted as tensions mounted between the two officials.
Some observers expressed fears that the disturbance may have affected the concentration and performance of candidates sitting the examination.
Adding to the concerns were reports that many students were taking their examinations under extremely harsh conditions.
Several candidates were reportedly seated in overcrowded classrooms and open areas exposed to intense heat, creating an uncomfortable environment that many believe could negatively impact academic performance.
Parents and community members have criticized the conditions under which students were required to sit the examinations, arguing that the lack of adequate ventilation and suitable testing facilities raises questions about the commitment to ensuring a fair and conducive examination environment.
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, neither the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) nor the Ministry of Education has officially confirmed the claims of examination malpractice.
The absence of a formal response has fueled speculation and intensified public debate over the effectiveness of monitoring mechanisms at examination centers nationwide.
The controversy comes at a time when education authorities are already facing criticism from parents and students over reported changes to examination procedures, particularly concerns surrounding the availability and use of calculators during this year’s WASSCE.
Many parents have expressed frustration over what they describe as inadequate communication from authorities regarding examination policies.
Some believe that restrictions affecting calculator use could place students at a disadvantage, especially in mathematics and science subjects where calculations form a critical part of the assessment process.
Critics have also questioned whether sufficient preparations were made to ensure that examination centers across the country met acceptable standards for student comfort and academic fairness.
They argue that poor testing conditions, coupled with allegations of malpractice, risk undermining public confidence in the examination process.
As scrutiny continues to grow, education stakeholders are calling on WAEC, the Ministry of Education, and law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations at Muslim Congress High School.
They maintain that only a credible inquiry and timely public disclosure of findings can restore confidence in the integrity, fairness and credibility of Liberia’s examination system.
