WAEC 2025: Only 38.32% Of Candidates Pass English and Maths As WASSCE Records Worst Result In Years

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), revealing a significant decline in performance, with only 38.32% of candidates securing credits in five core subjects including English and Mathematics.

The announcement was made by Dr Amos Josiah Dangut, Head of the National Office, during a press briefing at WAEC’s headquarters in Yaba, Lagos.

A total of 1,969,313 candidates sat for the May/June examination, conducted over a period of eight weeks and a day. However, only 754,545 candidates met the minimum benchmark required for university admission, reflecting a staggering 33.8% drop from last year’s pass rate of 72.12%.

“This marks the lowest performance in recent memory for the school-based WASSCE,” Dr Dangut stated, expressing concern over the steep decline.

Controversy and Challenges

The 2025 exam was fraught with logistical setbacks. Many candidates reportedly wrote their English Language paper late at night, prompting public outcry and calls for the paper’s cancellation. WAEC, however, upheld the integrity of the process despite the irregularities.

Breakdown of Candidate Participation

Of the total candidates, 976,787 were male (49.60%), while 992,526 were female (50.40%), indicating a slightly higher female participation rate. WAEC also confirmed that 12,178 candidates with special needs, including visually impaired, hearing impaired, and physically challenged students, had their results released without delay.

Outstanding Fees and Withheld Results

WAEC announced that candidates whose examination fees were sponsored by state governments but remain unpaid will not have access to their results until full settlement is made by the sponsors.

Furthermore, the results of 192,089 candidates (9.75%) are currently withheld due to suspected involvement in examination malpractice. The figure represents a decline from the 11.92% recorded in 2024, which WAEC attributed to the introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in core subjects like English, Mathematics, Biology, and Economics.

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Exam Malpractice and Rising Costs

Dr Dangut lamented the growing trend of malpractice, blaming over-reliance on “expo”, rogue websites, and unauthorized use of mobile phones in exam halls. He reiterated WAEC’s zero-tolerance policy:

“We will not hesitate to sanction schools, invigilators, and any individual found guilty of aiding malpractice. The credibility of our examinations is non-negotiable.”

On the rising cost of conducting examinations, Dangut cited inflation, fuel costs, and rising prices of materials as contributing factors.

Accessing Results and Digital Certificates

Candidates can check their results within 12 hours by visiting www.waecdirect.org and download digital certificates from www.waec.org using their Smart Identity Cards issued during registration. These digital certificates can be shared with institutions and verified online by employers or schools.

WAEC commended the Federal Government, security agencies, state ministries of education, and other stakeholders for their cooperation during the examination period. Dr Dangut assured the public that the council is committed to refining its processes and restoring the integrity of the WASSCE.

“We urge candidates and parents to focus on preparation, not shortcuts. WAEC remains committed to excellence, equity, and credibility in assessment,” he concluded.