GCE 2026 exams postponed in Cameroon following social media leaks

Authorities have launched an investigation to track down those responsible for the breach, while the ministry urges the 208,761 candidates to remain composed.

The Minister of Secondary Education, Nalova Lyonga, officially announced on Saturday, June 6, 2026, that the written sessions for the 2026 GCE have been pushed back. This decision follows the widespread circulation of confidential examination papers across the internet, forcing a halt to all remaining GCE (General Certificate of Education) written tests originally scheduled between June 8 and June 18.

In response to the crisis, a revised calendar has been established. The exams are now set to take place from Monday, June 22, to Thursday, July 2, 2026. It is important to note that technical and vocational education examinations are not impacted by this change and will proceed as initially planned. Legal proceedings are currently underway to identify the individuals behind the leak, with digital forensics being utilized by competent authorities to pinpoint the source of the security failure.

Fake documents circulating online

The ministry has called upon the 208,761 registered candidates to stay calm and use the additional two weeks to refine their preparations. On Sunday, the Minister’s decision sparked intense debate online, further complicated by a fraudulent document suggesting the ministry had reversed its stance on the rescheduling.

Following a thorough verification, it was confirmed that the circulating document is a forgery. The Minister’s original order to reschedule the exams from June 22 to July 2 remains in full effect. However, candidates are still advised to visit their respective examination centers this Monday for any local updates. In Cameroun, the leaking of official exam subjects on social networks—locally referred to as “the water”—is a persistent and massive problem that threatens the credibility of major certifications such as the Baccalauréat and the GCE.

Enhanced security: QR codes and digitization

Platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have become the primary channels for these leaks. Confidential subjects often appear as photographs, sometimes accompanied by answer keys, and are typically shared in the early morning hours just before the exams begin. These breaches frequently compel the Ministry of Secondary Education (MINESEC) to reorganize or delay written tests to ensure fairness for all students.

Previous investigations have highlighted significant vulnerabilities within the logistics chain, spanning from the initial selection and validation of questions to the printing and distribution phases. Instances of collusion involving teaching staff and administrative personnel are often suspected. To combat this fraud, the relevant ministries have stepped up security protocols, including the integration of QR codes and the transition toward full digitization of exam processes.