WAEC 2025 Results: Worst Performance in 5 Years

 

WAEC 2025 Results: Worst Performance in 5 Years

In a shocking update, WAEC (West African Examinations Council) has announced the worst performance in five years for the 2025 WASSCE. Just 38.32% of candidates obtained credits in at least five core subjects, including English Language and Mathematics—down from 72.12% in 2024, a startling 33.8% drop  .

This article explores the causes behind the mass failure, the broader implications for Nigeria’s education system, and what students and stakeholders can do next.

The Numbers: How Bad Was It?

• Of 1,969,313 registered candidates, only 754,545 (38.32%) met the minimum five-credit requirement in essential subjects  .

• This marks a 33.8% decline compared to the 2024 pass rate of 72.12%  .

• A total of 192,089 results (≈9.75%) were withheld due to alleged exam malpractice—slightly down from 11.92% in 2024  .

In addition, roughly 22.94% of candidates still have unresolved subject results, pending administrative tasks or malpractice investigations  

Why Did Performance Decline So Sharply?

#1. Stronger Anti-Cheat Measures 

WAEC introduced serialized objective test papers and limited the sharing of the same paper types within centers. While intended to reduce malpractice, the changes also led to many unfamiliar with this system suddenly performing poorly on key subjects  

#2. Late Night Exam Disruptions and Poor Logistics

Many students wrote significant papers at night—or under inadequate lighting—due to late arrival of exam materials. WAEC blamed logistical inefficiencies, citing insufficient planning and outdated infrastructure  .

Impact and Fallout

• Admissions Delay: With only 38.32% meeting the minimum requirements, many students may struggle to secure university admission immediately.

• Public Trust Erosion: Parents and educators have voiced frustration over apparent futility of large-scale investments into education, especially when results keep falling despite spending billions VAT.

• State Government Alarm: Lagos reported 54.3% failure rate among its sponsored students, despite paying ₦1.58 billion in exam fees—a clear sign that money alone isn’t solving the system’s problems  .

What Can Be Done Now?

• Students: Focus on remedial support in core subjects. Targeted coaching, independent practice, and avoiding reliance on expo or malpractice kits is essential.

• Schools: Prioritize morning exam schedules, enforce strict exam protocols, and promote digital literacy to reduce panic around technical delays.

• Policy Makers: Expand Computer-Based Testing for school candidates, upgrade infrastructure, and continuously monitor exam supervisors and invigilators.

 Student Voices and Reactions

• Candidates expressed fear and shame online: “How do I show these results to my parents?” or “I got 3 F9s in my results” highlight the emotional burden of failure  .

• Students also complained about portal errors and server overload when checking results, intensifying frustration  .

Conclusion 

WAEC 2025 exams have exposed deep structural challenges in Nigeria’s educational system: outdated logistics, punitive anti-cheat methods without adequate preparation, and inconsistent student readiness. While reforms like serialized exams are a step forward, students, schools, and authorities must now double down on practical, creative, and empathetic support, especially for struggling individuals. To stay updated on trending education news, analysis, and mental health support for students, follow our blog.