An investigation is underway to trace those behind the leak as the Ministry urges all 208,761 candidates to remain composed.

Following widespread circulation of exam papers online, Nalova Lyonga, Cameroon’s Minister of Secondary Education, announced on June 6, 2026, that the remaining written exams for the GCE 2026 would be postponed. The affected tests, originally scheduled from June 8 to June 18, have been rescheduled to run from June 22 to July 2, 2026.

The decision comes after exam materials for the General Certificate of Education (GCE) were leaked across social media platforms. Meanwhile, technical and vocational exams will proceed as planned. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the source of the leak, with digital evidence being handed over to relevant agencies for analysis.

Fake document circulating online

The Ministry has called on all candidates to stay calm and use the extra two weeks for final revisions. The announcement sparked immediate reactions online, where a falsified document claiming a reversal of the postponement decision circulated widely. After thorough verification, the document was confirmed fake, and the Minister’s decision to reschedule the exams to June 22–July 2 remains unchanged.

Candidates are advised to report to their exam centers as scheduled this Monday. In Cameroon, the unauthorized sharing of exam papers on social media—commonly referred to as “l’eau”—has become a persistent issue, undermining the integrity of national exams like the Baccalauréat and GCE.

Security upgrades and digital measures

Platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have become primary channels for leaking exam materials, often in the form of images or even answer keys, sometimes shared just hours before exams begin. These leaks have repeatedly forced the Ministry of Secondary Education (MINESEC) to reschedule or postpone exams to ensure fairness among candidates.

Investigations have exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain, from the selection and validation of exam papers to printing and distribution. Instances of collusion involving teachers and administrative staff have been frequently reported. To combat fraud, authorities have implemented stricter security measures, including the introduction of QR codes and digitalization of exam processes.