By Kamal Yalwa: Lagos, Nigeria — August 4, 2025
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Monday officially released the results of the 2025 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Lagos, revealing a dramatic decline in candidate performance.
Speaking at a press briefing held at WAEC’s national office in Yaba, Lagos, the Head of the National Office (HNO), Dr. Amos Dangut, disclosed that only 754,545 candidates, representing 38.32% of the total 1,969,313 who sat for the exam, obtained credits and above in at least five subjects including English Language and Mathematics. This marks a staggering 33.8% drop from the 72.12% pass rate recorded in 2024, making it the poorest performance in recent history for this school-based examination.
The exam, conducted over eight weeks and one day, was marred by controversy—particularly regarding the English Language paper, which many candidates were reportedly forced to write late at night due to logistical delays. There were widespread calls for a review or cancellation of the affected paper.
Gender Distribution & Special Needs Candidates
Of the total candidates, 976,787 (49.60%) were male and 992,526 (50.40%) female, showing a slight female majority in participation. WAEC also confirmed that results of all 12,178 candidates with special needs—including 112 visually impaired, 615 hearing impaired, and 37 physically challenged—were successfully released along with the general results.
Withheld Results & Exam Malpractice
WAEC further revealed that the results of 192,089 candidates (9.75%) are being withheld due to alleged involvement in exam malpractice, currently under investigation. This figure reflects a decline from the 11.92% recorded in 2024, which the council attributed to the introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in select subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Economics.
Dr. Dangut emphasized that the council is intensifying its crackdown on malpractice, warning that not only students but also schools, supervisors, invigilators, and administrators found guilty will face sanctions. He lamented that many students now rely on “expo” and rogue websites for leaked questions rather than preparing adequately.
Unpaid Fees & Result Access
WAEC also noted that results of candidates sponsored by state governments that have not yet settled examination fees will not be released until payment is received.
However, all other candidates can begin checking their results within the next 12 hours via www.waecdirect.org and download digital certificates through the WAEC website using their Smart Identity Cards. Physical certificates will be sent to schools at a later date.
Dr. Dangut expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, state ministries of education, security agencies, and examination officials for their cooperation in executing this year’s exam despite widespread economic challenges. He also noted that the cost of administering the exams had risen sharply due to inflation, fuel prices, and increased cost of materials.
