An investigation is underway to track down those responsible for the leak, while the ministry urges all 208,761 candidates to remain calm.
Cameroon’s Minister of Secondary Education, Nalova Lyonga, announced on Saturday, June 6, 2026, the postponement of the written exams for the 2026 General Certificate of Education (GCE). The decision came after confidential exam papers spread widely across the internet. All remaining written GCE tests, originally scheduled from June 8 to 18, have now been officially delayed.
New dates have been set: Monday, June 22 through Thursday, July 2, 2026. Exams for technical and vocational education are not affected and will proceed as planned. An investigation has been launched to identify those behind the leak. Digital evidence has been handed over to the relevant authorities to trace the source of this security breach.
Fake document in circulation
The ministry is asking all 208,761 candidates to stay calm and use the extra two weeks to refine their revision. On Sunday, the minister’s decision sparked intense online debate. A document circulating on social media claimed the minister had reversed her position on rescheduling the remaining GCE papers.
After verification, the document was found to be fake, and the minister’s decision to reschedule the exams from June 22 to July 2 remains unchanged. Nonetheless, each candidate is advised to report to their exam centre this Monday. In Cameroon, the leakage of official exam papers on social media—commonly known as “l’eau”—is a recurring and widespread problem that undermines the integrity of diplomas such as the Baccalaureate and the GCE.
QR codes and digitisation measures
WhatsApp and Telegram broadcast platforms are the main channels for these leaks. Confidential subjects appear as photos, sometimes even with answer keys, often shared in the early morning hours before exams begin. These leaks regularly force the Ministry of Secondary Education (MINESEC) to reschedule or postpone certain written exams to ensure fairness among candidates.
Investigations point to weaknesses in the logistics chain, from the selection and validation of exam papers to reproduction and distribution. Cases of complicity involving teachers and administrative staff are frequently reported. To combat fraud, the relevant ministries have strengthened security measures, including the introduction of QR codes and digitisation.
