Rwanda’s Ministry of Education has announced that 7,188 people are suspected of having been involved in examination malpractice during the 2025/2026 national examinations for Primary Leaving and Lower Secondary (O’Level) students.
The disclosure has raised fresh concerns over examination integrity and the measures being taken to prevent cheating in the national assessment system.
The Ministry of Education, working through the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), is investigating the suspected cases.
The 2025/2026 national examinations were part of the country’s annual assessment programme, with examination authorities responsible for ensuring that candidates sit the tests under controlled and fair conditions.
Education Minister Joseph Nsengimana told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) that the investigation is still ongoing and that the ministry will release the findings once the process is completed.
“The results of the investigation will be announced no later than Monday, August 31, 2026,” Minister Nsengimana said.
The 7,188 individuals are currently described as suspected rather than confirmed offenders, meaning the ongoing investigation will determine who was actually involved in examination malpractice and what action should follow.
The development comes as the government continues efforts to strengthen the credibility of national examinations and ensure that students’ results reflect their own academic performance.
The national examination system covers thousands of candidates across the country and requires extensive coordination among schools, examination centres, invigilators and education authorities.
Earlier in the 2025/2026 examination cycle, authorities deployed thousands of personnel to oversee national examinations and maintain proper examination procedures.
The findings expected on August 31 are therefore likely to provide greater clarity on the scale and nature of the suspected malpractice, as well as any measures that may be taken against individuals found responsible.
The Ministry’s announcement also highlights the continued importance of protecting examination integrity, particularly because national examination results influence students’ progression to the next level of education.
Until the investigation is concluded, the 7,188 people remain suspects, and no final determination of responsibility has been announced.
