By DAYO ADESULU
Lagos, Nigeria – April 17, 2025 – In a significant move aimed at enhancing the integrity of examinations and improving the educational experience for students nationwide, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has unveiled a new approach for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates. This announcement was made today by Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, the Head of WAEC’s National Office, during a press briefing held at the organization’s headquarters in Yaba, Lagos.
Dr. Dangut announced that for the first time, WAEC will implement a Computer-Based WASSCE (CB-WASSCE) for candidates, a decision that represents a paradigm shift in examination administration. “We have adopted a novel approach where individual candidates will receive unique question sets for specific subjects. This innovation is part of our commitment to uphold academic integrity and aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s vision to modernize the education sector,” he stated.
The CB-WASSCE is set to run from April 24 to June 20, 2025, involving a total of 1,973,253 candidates from 23,554 schools, with a balanced gender representation of 49.63% male and 50.37% female candidates. “This increase in participation signifies our ongoing efforts to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education,” Dr. Dangut added.
As part of the registration process, record-keeping and tracking will now include the National Identification Number (NIN), a directive from the Federal Government. Dr. Dangut emphasized that while compliance was not compulsory during the initial registration phase, proper procedures have been reinforced to ensure all candidates have their NIN uploaded by the end of the registration period.
Tackling Examination Malpractice
Dr. Dangut did not shy away from discussing the persistent issues of examination malpractice and insecurity that threaten the integrity of the examination process. “We are aware of past incidents that have disrupted examinations, and we are taking proactive measures in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force and local governments to secure examination centers across the nation,” he clarified. He underscored the consequences for those involved in examination malpractice, noting that WAEC has implemented varied paper versions in an effort to combat cheating.
In an appeal to parents, guardians, and media stakeholders, he urged them to advocate for integrity and discourage their wards from participating in fraudulent activities. “Let us work together to ensure that our children are educated and not compromised by the temptations of dishonesty,” Dr. Dangut implored.
New Resources for Candidates
In a bid to support candidates in their preparation, WAEC is launching several innovative resources, including an E-Study Portal and an E-Learning platform, giving students access to past questions, learning guides, and insights into their performance in prior examinations. “We want to equip our candidates with the necessary tools for success,” Dr. Dangut stated.
The results of the WASSCE will be released within 45 days following the end of the examination, with certificates printed and distributed to schools shortly after.
Commitment to Educational Excellence
In conclusion, Dr. Dangut reaffirmed WAEC’s dedication to enhancing the educational landscape in Nigeria. “We are committed to delivering a credible and efficient examination process that fosters academic excellence. Our partnership with stakeholders, including the Federal and State Ministries of Education, security agencies, and the media, remains vital to achieving this goal,” he noted.
As WAEC gears up for this historic examination cycle, the Council warmly invites continued collaboration in ensuring that the 2025 WASSCE is conducted smoothly and successfully across Nigeria.
For further updates on the examination and resources for students, visit WAEC’s official platforms.
