The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has officially annulled the End of Semester examination papers for two courses—EDC 241 (Psychology of Human Development) and EDC 351 (Guidance and Counselling)—after investigations confirmed allegations of examination leakage during the 2024/2025 academic year.
The decision, which affects all students who sat for the two papers, was communicated through a formal notice issued by the Office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and dated January 19, 2026. According to the statement, management of the university took the action to protect the credibility, integrity, and fairness of UEW’s examination system.
Findings of Investigation
The notice revealed that management conducted investigations into claims that the examination questions for EDC 241 and EDC 351 had been compromised prior to the conduct of the End of Semester Examinations. After thorough assessment, the university concluded that the allegations were valid.
“The investigations conducted into allegations of examination leakage during the End of Semester Examination (2024/2025 Academic Year) revealed that examination questions for EDC 241 and EDC 351 were compromised,” the statement said.
As a result, the university declared the affected examination papers null and void, effectively cancelling all previously written scripts for the two courses.
Management’s Decision and Rationale
UEW management emphasized that the decision to nullify the results was not taken lightly. However, it explained that allowing compromised examinations to stand would undermine the credibility of the institution and devalue the academic achievements of students who rely on the integrity of the assessment process.
“This decision was taken to safeguard the credibility of the examinations,” the notice stated.
The university further reassured stakeholders that decisive measures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents in future examinations.
New Examination Dates Announced
To ensure academic continuity, management has rescheduled the affected papers. According to the notice, EDC 241 will be rewritten on Monday, 23rd February 2026, as part of the Mid-Semester Examinations. Meanwhile, EDC 351 has been rescheduled for Monday, 30th August 2026, also to be conducted during the Mid-Semester Examination period.
The separation of the two rewrite dates appears to align with the university’s academic calendar and scheduling constraints, particularly for students at different levels and programmes.
Impact on Students
The announcement has generated mixed reactions among students. While some expressed disappointment and frustration over having to rewrite examinations they had already prepared extensively for, others acknowledged the importance of fairness and transparency in academic assessments.
For many students, the cancellation means revisiting course materials months after the original examination period. This is particularly significant for those who believed they had performed well or had already mentally moved on from the courses.
Despite these concerns, some students have commended the university for taking decisive action rather than ignoring the issue. They argue that allowing leaked examinations to stand would have created an uneven playing field and compromised the value of UEW certificates.
Assurance from Management
In the notice, management expressed deep regret over the inconvenience, anxiety, and disruption the situation may have caused students and other stakeholders.
“Management deeply regrets any inconvenience, anxiety, or disruption this situation may have caused,” the statement read.
The university further assured the student body that the matter had been thoroughly investigated and that measures had been put in place to prevent recurrence in future examinations.
Call to Academic Officers
The notice, which was addressed to Deans, Heads of Department, and Examination Officers, requested academic leaders to bring the information to the attention of all affected students promptly. This directive highlights management’s intention to ensure clear communication and prevent misinformation or confusion among students.
The document was officially signed by Professor Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba, and copied to the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Deputy Registrar in charge of Academic Affairs.
Broader Implications for Academic Integrity
Examination leakage remains a major challenge in tertiary institutions across Ghana and beyond. Incidents such as this raise important questions about examination security, internal controls, and ethical responsibility among staff and students.
By nullifying the compromised examinations and rescheduling new ones, UEW joins a growing number of institutions adopting a zero-tolerance approach to academic malpractice. Education analysts argue that while such decisions may be inconvenient in the short term, they ultimately strengthen institutional credibility and public trust.
Moving Forward
As the rescheduled dates approach, students are expected to prepare once again for the examinations under improved security arrangements. Management’s assurance of enhanced preventive measures suggests tighter supervision and safeguards during future assessment processes.
The university community will be closely watching how the rewrite examinations are conducted and whether additional reforms will be introduced to reinforce examination integrity.
For now, the University of Education, Winneba has made it clear that fairness, credibility, and academic standards remain non-negotiable pillars of its mission—even when difficult decisions must be taken.
