WAEC releases breakdown of WASSCE results

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results for school candidates, with statistics revealing a significant decline in performance, particularly in English Language and Mathematics.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, WAEC’s Head of Nigeria National Office, Amos Dangut, disclosed that only 38.32% of the 1,969,313 candidates who sat the examination obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. This represents a sharp drop compared to 72.12% recorded in 2024 — a 33.8% decrease.

According to Dangut, out of the total number of candidates, 754,545 met the benchmark of five credits including English and Mathematics, with 347,192 (46.01%) being male and 407,353 (53.99%) female.

He noted that 1,718,090 candidates (87.24%) secured credits in at least five subjects, irrespective of English and Mathematics, while 1,517,517 candidates (77.06%) had their results fully processed and released. However, 451,796 candidates (22.94%) still have parts of their results pending due to issues currently being resolved.

The HNO explained that the 2025 WASSCE was conducted using both computer-based testing (CBT) and traditional pen-and-paper formats. He added that the Council serialised questions to curb examination malpractice, which led to some results being withheld. Affected candidates may seek redress in court.

WAEC emphasized that results have been uploaded on its official portal — www.waecdirect.org — and urged candidates who have met their financial obligations to the Council to check their results online and apply for their digital certificates, which will be available within 48 hours.

However, results of candidates sponsored by indebted state governments remain withheld until outstanding payments are made.

Observers have attributed the poor performance in core subjects to logistical setbacks during the May 2025 examination period. Reports surfaced that candidates were kept at exam centres late into the night, potentially affecting their performance.

This year’s mass failure represents the worst performance since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. In contrast, WAEC recorded 65.24% pass rate in English and Mathematics in 2020, and 79.81% in 2023.

WAEC has promised to fast-track the processing of pending results and ensure their release in the coming days.