The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has launched Nigeria’s inaugural Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, marking a significant technological advancement aimed at improving exam delivery and reducing malpractice.
During a press briefing at WAEC’s National Office in Yaba, Lagos, Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of the Nigeria National Office, announced that the 2025 WASSCE will run from April 24 to June 20, 2025, across the country.
Dr. Dangut emphasized WAEC’s readiness for the exam, highlighting a new system where no two candidates will receive identical questions for the same question number, reinforcing academic integrity.
A record 1,973,253 candidates from 23,554 schools have registered, a rise of over 158,000 compared to last year. This includes 979,228 males (49.63%) and 994,025 females (50.37%), reflecting increased female participation. The exam will cover 74 subjects with 196 papers, supervised by over 26,000 senior secondary school teachers nationwide.
Addressing past security challenges, Dangut noted WAEC’s collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and state governments to ensure a seamless examination process.
He issued a stern warning against malpractice, stating that candidates’ question papers are preprinted, and any deviation will result in severe consequences.
He urged parents, teachers, and school officials to discourage cheating and called on the media to support WAEC’s anti-malpractice campaigns. “School principals and teachers must educate students on the grave consequences of examination malpractice,” he stressed.
To support candidates, WAEC has introduced digital tools, including the WAEC E-Study Portal, offering past questions, marking schemes, and learning plans; the WAEC E-Learning Portal, providing performance analysis and solutions; and WAEC Konnect, enabling communication with candidates and stakeholders.
Additionally, WAEC has compiled Past Question Papers and Chief Examiners’ Reports to guide students in meeting exam expectations.
Dangut condemned operators of fraudulent websites, labeling them a threat to students’ futures, and urged parents to avoid such platforms. He assured that WAEC, in partnership with the Nigerian Police Force, will prosecute offenders.
Results for the 2025 WASSCE will be released within 45 days of the final paper, with certificates issued within 90 days. Digital certificates will be accessible via the WAEC Digital Certificate platform.
WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to a credible examination, collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education, state ministries, security agencies, and stakeholders. Dangut expressed gratitude for stakeholders’ support and urged the media to help ensure a successful WASSCE 2025.
