The West African Examinations Council has launched its first-ever Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates in a groundbreaking move aimed at transforming examination processes in West Africa.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the WAEC National Office in Yaba, Lagos, where the Head of the Nigeria National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, emphasized that the initiative is designed to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the exam process while combating malpractice.
Dangut said, “The Council has introduced its maiden Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025.”
He added that the 2025 WASSCE will take place nationwide from Thursday, April 24 to Friday, June 20, 2025.
Highlighting one of the innovative features of the computer-based format, he stated, “It will interest you to know that from this year, two candidates will not have the same questions on each number. This is part of a paradigm shift in test administration techniques to uphold academic integrity.”
A total of 1,973,253 students from 23,554 schools are expected to sit for the 2025 exams, marking an increase of over 158,000 compared to last year.
Of the total, 979,228 are male candidates, representing 49.63 percent, while 994,025 are females, accounting for 50.37 percent, indicating a steady rise in female participation.
The examination will span 74 subjects and consist of 196 individual papers. Over 26,000 senior secondary school teachers will serve as supervisors to ensure smooth execution across the country.
Acknowledging the security challenges that have previously disrupted exam activities in parts of Nigeria, Dangut noted, “Conducting examinations in such situations has been challenging, though surmounted. The Council has continued to partner with the Nigeria Police Force and State Governments to ensure the smooth and hitch-free conduct of the examination.”
On the issue of exam malpractice, he reiterated WAEC’s zero-tolerance stance. “The Council decisively deals with examination malpractice. Candidates’ paper variations for the CB-WASSCE 2025 have been preprinted. Any candidate who chooses to write a paper other than the one assigned will bear the consequences.”
He urged all stakeholders, parents, educators, and media partners—to help spread awareness and discourage malpractice.
“School principals and teachers should sensitise their students to the dangers of this terrible crime against humanity. A word is enough for the wise,” he cautioned.
To support students’ preparation, WAEC has launched several digital platforms. “WAEC E-Study Portal, which provides access to past questions, marking schemes, and learning plans, WAEC E-Learning Portal, which offers performance analysis and solutions to common challenges faced by students, and WAEC Konnect, which facilitates communication and updates for candidates and stakeholders,” he announced.
Additionally, compiled past question papers and Chief Examiners’ Reports are available to guide students toward better understanding and performance.
He also issued a warning to the operators of illicit websites seeking to exploit candidates. “Parents are hereby cautioned to desist from patronising these evildoers who are hell-bent on frustrating the efforts of WAEC,” Dr. Dangut warned. “We shall, as usual, work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Police Force to bring perpetrators to book.”
He assured candidates and the public that results would be released 45 days after the conclusion of the final paper, and certificates will be issued within 90 days.
“Digital copies of certificates will be accessible through the WAEC Digital Certificate platform,” he added.
Dangut concluded by reaffirming WAEC’s dedication to delivering a credible examination in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, state authorities, law enforcement, and other stakeholders.
“We remain ever grateful to all stakeholders for their continued support. We cherish the partnership of the media and urge you to join us in delivering a successful WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025,” he said.
