The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2025 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), revealing a significant drop in performance. Only 38.32% of the nearly two million candidates who sat for the exam achieved credits and above in five key subjects, including **English Language and Mathematics.
Out of 1,969,313 candidates, only 754,545 met this benchmark, a drastic decline from the 72.12% pass rate recorded in 2024. This marks the lowest performance in recent history for the school-based WASSCE, raising concerns about the quality of preparation and exam integrity.
The examination period, which spanned over eight weeks, was marred by **delays and controversies**, notably the late-night sitting of the English paper in some centres—a situation that sparked national outrage.
WAEC also disclosed that results for candidates sponsored by defaulting state governments will be withheld until outstanding examination fees are paid.
Gender Breakdown:
Male candidates: 976,787 (49.60%)
Female candidates: 992,526 (50.40%)
Malpractice Concerns:
WAEC revealed that 192,089 results (9.75%) are being withheld over allegations of exam malpractice, currently under investigation. This is a slight improvement from 2024’s 11.92% malpractice rate. The council credits the **introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in core subjects like English, Maths, Biology, and Economics for this reduction.
WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, blamed the poor performance on increasing exam malpractice, lack of student preparation, the influence of rogue website operators, and widespread belief in non-existent “expo” materials. He also decried the use of mobile phones in exam halls despite official bans.
Candidates with Special Needs: All 12,178 candidates with special needs** had their results released, including:
* 112 visually impaired
* 615 hearing impaired
* 37 physically challenged
* 52 others with special needs
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