The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially announced a significant decline in the overall performance of students in the 2025 edition of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). According to the Council, only 38.32% of candidates who took part in the examination obtained credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics — the key subjects required for university admission.
This marks a sharp fall in academic performance compared to the previous year, where 72.12% of candidates attained the same benchmark. In 2025, out of the total 1,969,313 candidates who actually sat for the examination across Nigeria and affiliated West African countries, only 754,545 students managed to meet the minimum requirement for tertiary education.
Dr. Amos Dangut, the Head of National Office at WAEC, disclosed these troubling statistics during a press briefing held on Monday. He pointed out that this year’s performance is one of the lowest in recent memory and raised concerns over various issues affecting the educational system.
He further revealed that a total of 192,089 candidates—representing 9.75% of all participants—had their results withheld due to multiple forms of examination malpractice. Offences include the unauthorised use of mobile phones inside exam halls, as well as organised cheating operations reportedly carried out in collaboration with some schools.
“All cases of malpractice are currently under thorough investigation and will be reviewed by the appropriate Committee of the Council,” Dr. Dangut said. “Final decisions will be made soon, and affected candidates will be officially informed through their respective schools. Candidates also have the right to request redress or appeal their cases if they believe they are wrongly accused.”
Breakdown of 2025 WASSCE Results:
Total number of candidates who sat for the exam: 1,969,313
Number of candidates who obtained credits in five core subjects including English Language and Mathematics: 754,545 (38.32%)
Successful male candidates: 347,192 (46.01% of the successful group)
Successful female candidates: 407,353 (53.99% of the successful group)
Candidates who participated in the exam came from Nigeria as well as neighbouring countries such as Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea. All these countries use the Nigerian curriculum for the conduct of the WASSCE.
WAEC confirmed that a total of 1,973,365 candidates registered for the exam from 23,554 secondary schools, with 1,969,313 eventually sitting for it across the region.
In response to the widespread malpractice, WAEC reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on exam irregularities. “The Council will continue to identify and sanction all instances of examination misconduct. Schools, invigilators, teachers, and students who engage in such acts are doing harm to the education system. We urge all stakeholders to unite in ensuring integrity in future examinations,” Dr. Dangut emphasised.
How to Access Results
Students who participated in the 2025 WASSCE can now check their results online by visiting www.waecdirect.org. To access their results, candidates will need the PIN and Serial Number from the Smart Identity Card issued to them during the examination period.
WAEC has assured candidates that their results will be made available online within 12 hours of the official release. In addition, digital certificates will be accessible within 48 hours, allowing students to obtain proof of their performance almost immediately.
However, WAEC also confirmed that results for candidates sponsored by state governments that have not fulfilled their financial obligations to the Council will remain inaccessible until those debts are settled.
WAEC Special Needs Participation
Dr. Dangut also highlighted what he described as a remarkable milestone in WAEC’s effort toward inclusive education. A total of 12,178 candidates with special needs registered and participated in the 2025 examination.
These students included: 112 visually impaired candidates (blind or with significant visual limitations), 615 hearing-impaired candidates (deaf or with hearing loss), and 52 candidates living with spastic or mental challenges (physically or intellectually disabled).
He praised the commitment of schools, families, and educators who continue to support learners with disabilities, and reaffirmed WAEC’s pledge to ensure every student has equal access to quality assessment services.
“A significant highlight of this year’s examination is the notable participation of candidates with special needs. This reflects our dedication to an inclusive educational system that leaves no student behind,” he said.
WAEC also disclosed that hard copies of certificates for candidates whose results have been fully processed will be ready and distributed within the next 90 days. This ensures that students can proceed with their admission processes or employment applications without unnecessary delays.