...As WAEC Withholds Results Over Fraud and Debts

Only 38.32% of the 1,973,365 candidates who sat for the May/June 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) achieved the required five credits, including English Language and Mathematics. This means that approximately 1,218,820 candidates did not meet the standard, potentially jeopardizing their chances of admission.  

The exam was also taken by students from select schools in Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea, where the Nigerian curriculum is used.  

Announcing the results in Lagos, WAEC Head of National Office (HNO), Dr. Amos Dangut, stated that out of 1,969,313 candidates, 754,545 (38.32%) obtained the necessary credits. He added, “Analysis shows that 87.24% of candidates, or 1,718,090 students, obtained credits in at least five subjects, with or without English and Mathematics.”  

Dangut highlighted a decline in performance compared to 2024, with a 33.8% decrease in candidates achieving the five-credit benchmark. In 2025, only 72.12% met this criterion.  

Additionally, 12,178 candidates with special needs participated, with provisions made for their unique circumstances. Their results are now being released alongside others.  

WAEC also disclosed that 192,089 candidates (9.75%) had their results withheld due to examination malpractice, a reduction from 11.92% in 2024. The increase in mobile phone use and organized cheating in some schools remain major concerns, with investigations ongoing.  

Candidates can check their results online at www.waecdirect.org and apply for their digital certificates, which will be issued within 48 hours after verification and payment.  

The examination marking process involved 87,499 examiners and 2,706 e-examiners, conducted from July 3 to July 21, 2025. WAEC remains committed to combating malpractice and ensuring the integrity of the examination process.