There is good news from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)! After reviewing the results of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), it has been confirmed that 62.96% of the students passed with at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics
This announcement was made by the Head of the WAEC National Office in Nigeria, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, during a press briefing held on Friday in Lagos. According to him, the results had been released earlier on Monday, but after a careful review, the council has now confirmed that nearly two-thirds of all candidates passed the exam with flying colours.
What This Means for Students
This is a big achievement for many students across Nigeria and West Africa. It means that more than half of those who sat for the exams now have the chance to move forward in their education. Whether they want to go to the university, a college of education, a polytechnic, or even apply for a job, these results will help open new doors for them.
In simple words, if 100 students wrote the exam, about 63 of them passed with the required five credits including English and Maths. That’s a big deal because these two subjects – English and Mathematics – are very important. Without passing them, it is hard to get admission into any school or get a good job.
Why the Review Was Important
Sometimes, after results are released, WAEC takes time to review them. This is to make sure everything was marked and recorded correctly. Mistakes can happen, and the review helps to fix those errors.
Dr. Dangut explained that the review showed that more students actually passed than what was first announced. This means that some students who were earlier sad about their results may now be smiling because their results got better after the review.
WAEC wants to be fair and honest to every student. They make sure that no one is cheated and that every script is marked carefully.
About WAEC and WASSCE
For those who may not know, WAEC stands for the West African Examinations Council. It is the body that organizes major school examinations in English-speaking West African countries – including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.
Every year, WAEC organizes the WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination) for students in their final year of secondary school (SS3). This exam usually covers a wide range of subjects including:
English Language
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Literature in English
Government
Economics
Civic Education
Agricultural Science
and many more.
Students are expected to register for at least eight or nine subjects. But to be considered as having “passed,” they must get credits in at least five subjects, including English and Maths.
A credit means you scored well enough in the subject – not just a pass, but a strong pass. These five credits are usually the minimum requirement for admission into higher institutions in Nigeria and other West African countries.
A Look at the Numbers
This year’s results show that 62.96% of the students met that requirement. This number is slightly higher than some previous years, which means that more students are improving.
Let’s break it down:
Suppose 1.5 million students sat for the exam in 2025.
Out of that number, about 944,400 students passed with five credits including English and Maths.
That’s almost 1 million young people who now have a better future ahead
This shows that, despite the challenges, Nigerian students are doing their best. Many of them studied hard, even during difficult times, and it’s paying off.
Challenges Faced by Students
We must remember that students in Nigeria face many challenges while preparing for WASSCE. Some of these include:
Lack of electricity to read at night
No textbooks or poor school facilities
Poor internet access to do online learning or research
Teachers going on strike or not being available
Family problems or lack of money to pay school fees
Bad roads and long distance to schools
Even with these problems, many students still do well. That is something to celebrate!
Words from WAEC Officials
During the press conference, Dr. Dangut praised the efforts of students, teachers, schools, and parents.
He said:
> “This year’s performance is a sign that our young people are ready to learn, and our teachers are doing their best. We are proud of every candidate who worked hard and never gave up.”
He also encouraged those who didn’t do well to not feel ashamed, but to try again. WAEC allows people to sit for the exam again, especially through private exams like the WASSCE for Private Candidates (also called GCE).
What Students Should Do Next
If you passed the WASSCE, congratulations! You can now:
Apply to universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education
Try to get scholarships or bursaries
Learn new skills or take online courses
Prepare for entrance exams like JAMB UTME or POST-UTME
But if you did not pass, do not feel like it is the end of the world. You can still:
Register for the next WAEC exam (GCE)
Take time to study better and work on your weak areas
Ask for help from teachers or mentors
Never give up on your dreams
Failure is not the end. Many successful people in Nigeria and the world failed before they made it. What matters is not giving up.
Parents and Teachers Have a Role Too
WAEC’s announcement is not just about the students – it also reminds us that parents and teachers play a big role in helping children succeed.
Parents should:
Encourage their children to study
Help them find good study materials
Provide quiet time for reading
Talk positively and support their dreams
Teachers should:
Be kind and patient with students
Use fun and creative ways to teach
Prepare students ahead of time
Show students how to manage exam stress
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2025 WASSCE results out, WAEC is already getting ready for the 2026 exams. They are working hard to make the process better, more fair, and even more digital. Students are encouraged to start preparing early.
There are many free and low-cost learning platforms online today, and students can begin revising the syllabus, working on past questions, and getting mentorship.
WAEC is also improving its services by:
Using digital tools for better marking
Making result checking easier
Reducing delays in registration and result release
Training examiners and supervisors
Reducing exam malpractice with better security
Final Words of Hope
The 2025 WASSCE results are a clear sign that hard work pays off. If you are a student reading this, believe in yourself. If you failed, rise again. If you passed, aim higher. Education is not a race – it is a journey.
To all the students who sat for the 2025 WASSCE – whether you passed or not – know that you are valuable, your dreams are valid, and your future is still bright.
As we celebrate the over 62% who passed, let us encourage others to keep going. Nigeria’s future is in the hands of her youth – and with education
, we can build a better tomorrow.
Congratulations to all successful candidates! Keep pushing, keep growing, and never stop learning. 🌟📚