An investigation has been launched to track down those responsible for the leak, as the ministry urges all 208,761 candidates to remain calm.
The news broke on Saturday, 6 June 2026, when Nalova Lyonga, Cameroun’s minister of secondary education, officially announced the postponement of the GCE 2026 written exams. The decision came after confidential subject papers circulated widely on the internet. All remaining written tests for the General Certificate of Education, originally scheduled from 8 to 18 June, have been formally rescheduled.
New dates have been set: Monday, 22 June through Thursday, 2 July 2026. Exams for technical and vocational education are unaffected and will proceed as planned. A formal investigation is underway to identify and prosecute those who leaked the papers. Digital evidence has been handed over to the relevant authorities to trace the source of this security breach.
Document is fake
The ministry has called on all 208,761 candidates to stay calm and use the extra two weeks to strengthen their revision. On Sunday, the minister’s decision sparked widespread debate online. A document circulating on social media claimed that the minister had reversed her decision regarding the rescheduling of the remaining GCE papers.
After verification, that document was found to be fake. The minister’s decision to reschedule the exams from 22 June to 2 July remains in force. Nevertheless, each candidate has been advised to report to their examination centre this Monday. In Cameroun, the leaking 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 Baccalauréat and the GCE.
Introduction of QR codes, digitisation
WhatsApp and Telegram groups are the main channels for spreading leaks. Confidential subjects appear as photos, sometimes even with answer keys, often shared in the early morning 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 reveal weaknesses and vulnerable points in the logistics chain, from the selection and validation of exam papers to printing and distribution. Cases of complicity involving teaching staff and administrative personnel are frequently reported. To counter this fraud, the relevant ministries have strengthened security measures, including the introduction of QR codes and digitisation.
