Nigeria’s 2025 WASSCE results have sparked alarm across the country after the worst student performance in over a decade. Only 38.32% of candidates passed with credits in at least five subjects, including English and Mathematics, according to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
This is a sharp drop from the 72.12% pass rate recorded in 2024 and the lowest since 2014, when only 31.28% of candidates passed.
WAEC officials say stricter anti-malpractice measures and the gradual introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) contributed to the poor results.
Dr Amos Dangut, Head of the National Office, WAEC Nigeria, explained, “The drop in performance can be attributed to new anti-malpractice measures, including the serialisation of objective papers in key subjects, which made collusion and cheating more difficult.”
He also blamed students’ increasing reliance on leaked exam materials found on social media.
“Students now rely on so-called ‘expo’ from rogue websites and social media platforms, many of which only deceive them or offer already outdated materials,” he said.
WAEC noted that 451,796 results (22.94%) are still being processed, while 192,089 results (9.75%) are being withheld over suspected exam malpractice—a slight improvement from last year’s 11.92%.
Although 87.24% of candidates passed at least five subjects (with or without English and Mathematics), the number who met the core university admission requirement dropped drastically.
Stakeholders blame multiple issues, including the rushed introduction of digital exams and poor teaching in public schools. The federal government had earlier directed all examination bodies to fully adopt CBT by 2026.
But parents, teachers, and education experts say this timeline may be unrealistic.
“The factors behind this year’s results include the introduction of computer-based examination. Some candidates do not have computer knowledge. Also, some public schools lack teaching and learning materials, and the environment is not conducive for both students and their teachers,” said Haruna Danjuma, National President of the Parents-Teachers Association of Nigeria.
Professor Francis Egbokhare, former director of the Distance Learning Centre at the University of Ibadan, said the problem goes beyond exams.
“This is a reflection of the crisis of quality in the education sector. We are so distracted by technology and CBT exams, as if these tools will replace quality instruction,” he said.
He added, “The public schools are done for. Their teachers can’t pass the exam themselves, and so when they help their students, they still fail. We are experiencing exponential decay in real time.”
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Dr Bisi Akin-Alabi, Project Lead of Safe Schools Lagos and a former adviser on education, also believes tougher exam conditions exposed students’ poor preparation.
“Most students are over-reliant on malpractices tagged ‘expo’, leading to disappointment when they face genuine exam conditions,” she said.
She added that many students are not comfortable with digital tools, making CBT a tough adjustment.
Earlier this year, WAEC faced heavy criticism after students in some states—including Lagos, Ogun, and Taraba—were made to write their English Language paper late at night using candles and phone lights. WAEC blamed the delay on leaked question papers, which forced the council to reprint and redistribute them urgently.
WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, admitted that paper leaks, security concerns, and logistical problems disrupted the exams.
“We took measures to prevent paper leakage, which affected the timing and seamless conduct of the examination,” she said.
Despite the challenges, some private schools reported good results.
Fola Adekeye, Director of Studies at Champions International Schools in Ogun State, said, “Despite all odds, we have serious students who made their papers, including Mathematics and English Language. But WAEC should improve their logistics. This year, question papers got to many schools very late.”
As Nigeria prepares to fully switch to CBT by 2026, many are asking if the education system is truly ready. With declining results, poor infrastructure, and rising digital demands, stakeholders warn that urgent reforms are needed—starting with teacher training and better classroom conditions.