The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the 2025 WASSCE results. According to the latest statistics, only 38.32% of candidates obtained credit passes in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. This outcome has raised significant concerns among parents, educators, and students about the state of secondary education in Nigeria. It also signals a need for strategic changes in the way students prepare for future examinations. In this article, you will find a complete breakdown of the 2025 WAEC performance, what this means for Nigerian students, and how to respond effectively to these results.
2025 WAEC Performance Breakdown
WAEC disclosed that out of over 1.5 million candidates who registered and sat for the 2025 WASSCE, only about 38.32% achieved the benchmark of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics. This percentage reflects a drop compared to the previous year’s performance, which had over 42% of candidates meeting the same benchmark.
The statistics also reveal a growing performance gap in core subjects, particularly in Mathematics and English Language. Many students continue to struggle with comprehension, critical reasoning, and numeracy skills. Several stakeholders in the education sector have expressed concern that this downward trend could impact university admissions and job opportunities for Nigerian youth.
Reasons Behind the Low Performance
One of the key reasons behind the poor results is the inconsistency in academic calendars, especially in public schools. Strike actions, inadequate infrastructure, poor teacher training, and lack of access to digital learning resources have compounded the issue. In some cases, students did not receive adequate exam preparation due to the shortened academic sessions caused by disruptions.
Another challenge is the widespread reliance on last-minute cramming and “miracle centres.” These approaches discourage true understanding and mastery of subjects. The increase in exam malpractice cases, as reported by WAEC, also indicates a systemic failure that affects learning outcomes.
What Parents and Students Might Not Know
Many students and their parents may not be fully aware that universities and polytechnics now pay more attention to core subject combinations during admission screening. Scoring five credits without English or Mathematics may disqualify a candidate from gaining admission into top institutions, even with a high Post-UTME score. Some higher institutions also require candidates to have a minimum of a credit pass in core subjects relevant to the chosen course of study.
Students also need to understand that WAEC now has mechanisms to detect malpractice through data analysis and facial verification systems. Once a candidate’s result is flagged, the consequences could affect their future academic and professional pursuits.
WAEC Policies and Legal Updates You Should Know
WAEC has continued to enforce its policies on result withholding, cancellation, and barring of candidates involved in exam malpractice. In the 2025 cycle, over 120,000 results were withheld pending investigations. The examination body has also begun collaborating with security agencies to prosecute individuals and centres involved in result manipulation.
WAEC now operates a digital certificate platform, allowing candidates to access their certificates online. This policy supports candidates who need instant verification of their results for scholarship, immigration, or job opportunities. It also reduces dependence on physical documents that can be lost or damaged.
Helpful Resources and Actionable Steps for Students and Parents
Students who did not meet the minimum five credits, including English and Mathematics, should consider registering for the next WAEC GCE. This private examination gives them another chance to correct their deficiencies without waiting another full academic year. Students can also register for NECO or NABTEB as alternative examinations recognised by Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Parents are encouraged to invest in tutoring support and structured exam preparation programs for their children. There are several online platforms offering WAEC-focused video lessons, practice exams, and expert mentorship. Using such platforms helps students understand subject content at their pace and provides a more interactive way to learn.
Educational institutions must also prioritise teacher retraining, school accountability, and access to modern resources. Policymakers need to provide funding and curriculum reforms that better equip students for 21st-century challenges.
The 2025 WAEC result, with only 38.32% of candidates meeting the required credit passes, serves as a wake-up call to all stakeholders in the education sector. While the statistics reflect a challenging reality, they also highlight the importance of proactive preparation, parental involvement, and educational reform. Students who fell short in this exam cycle still have pathways to success through re-examinations, skill development, and guided learning. By recognising the challenges and taking decisive steps, students and parents can overcome this hurdle and position themselves for a brighter academic future.
