An investigation has been launched to find those responsible for the leak, as the ministry urges all 208,761 candidates to remain calm.
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Minister of Secondary Education Nalova Lyonga announced the postponement of the written GCE 2026 exams. The decision came after confidential exam papers spread widely online. All remaining written GCE (General Certificate of Education) tests, originally scheduled from June 8 to 18, have been officially postponed.
New dates were quickly set: from Monday, June 22 to Thursday, July 2, 2026. Exams for technical and vocational education are not affected and will proceed as normal. An investigation has been opened to track down those behind the leak. Digital evidence has been handed over to the relevant authorities to identify the source of this security breach.
Fake document in circulation
The ministry calls on all 208,761 candidates to remain calm and use the extra two weeks to strengthen their revision. On Sunday, the minister’s decision sparked debates online. A document circulating on social media claimed that the Minister of Secondary Education had reversed her decision regarding the rescheduling of the remaining GCE exams.
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 in effect. Nonetheless, each candidate is advised to go to their exam center this Monday. In Cameroon, the leak of official exam papers on social media — commonly known as “l’eau” — is a recurring and widespread phenomenon that undermines the integrity of diplomas such as the Baccalauréat and the GCE.
Introduction of QR codes and digitization
WhatsApp and Telegram broadcast platforms are the main vectors of dissemination. Confidential exam papers appear as photos, sometimes with answer keys, often shared in the early morning hours before exams begin. The leaks regularly force the Ministry of Secondary Education (MINESEC) to reschedule or postpone certain written exams to ensure fairness among candidates.
Investigations reveal weaknesses in the logistics chain, from the selection and validation process of exam papers to reprography and distribution. Cases of complicity involving teachers and administrative staff are regularly highlighted. To combat these frauds, the relevant ministries have strengthened security measures, including the introduction of QR codes and digitization.
