By Elizabeth Godwin
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, showing a significant decline in student performance, particularly in core subjects such as English Language and Mathematics.
According to the Head of Nigeria’s Office (HNO) of WAEC, Mr. Amos Dangut, only 754,545 candidates out of 1,969,313, representing 38.32%, obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, including English and Mathematics. This represents a steep drop from the 72.12% recorded in 2024—a decrease of over 33 percentage points. Dangut described the development as deeply concerning, especially given the importance of these subjects for university admission in Nigeria.
While 1,718,090 candidates (87.24%) obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects regardless of English and Mathematics, only those who passed both core subjects are eligible for admission into tertiary institutions. Female candidates slightly outperformed their male counterparts, accounting for 53.99% of those who met the minimum university admission requirement.
The 2025 examination, conducted using both Computer-Based Testing (CBT) and traditional pen-on-paper methods, was serialised to curb examination malpractice. WAEC noted that some results are still being processed, with 451,796 candidates (22.94%) affected due to various issues, though efforts are underway to complete the release.
Dangut also disclosed that the results of candidates sponsored by indebted state governments would remain withheld until payments are made. He urged state authorities to settle outstanding debts to avoid disrupting students’ academic progression.
Observers have linked the poor performance to logistical issues during the May 2025 examination, where students were reportedly kept at centres late into the night, potentially affecting their performance. The sharp decline is seen as more troubling than the results recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, when 65.24% of candidates met the minimum benchmark.
Candidates can check their results online at www.waecdirect.org, with digital certificates available 48 hours after result confirmation. WAEC advised candidates whose results were withheld to seek redress through proper legal channels.
With only about 4 in 10 students meeting university entry requirements, the 2025 results have raised fresh concerns about the state of Nigeria’s secondary education system.
