The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2025 Second Series Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates, revealing a noticeable drop in overall performance compared to last year — with female candidates slightly outperforming their male counterparts.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina.

According to the council, 42.17 per cent of candidates achieved credit passes in at least five subjects including English Language and Mathematics, marking an 11.47 percentage-point decline from the 53.64 per cent recorded in 2024. In 2023, the figure stood at 44.29 per cent.

Out of 65,752 candidates who sat for the examination nationwide, 27,727 met the five-credit benchmark with English and Mathematics. WAEC explained that performance trends among private candidates should not be directly compared with those of school candidates, as private examinations largely involve learners outside the formal school system.

Further analysis showed that 33,989 candidates (51.69 per cent) obtained at least five credits with or without English Language and Mathematics.

A total of 69,604 candidates registered for the 2025 examination — representing a 1.8 per cent increase over 2024 — with exams conducted at 370 centres across Nigeria. WAEC confirmed that 61,943 candidates (94.21 per cent) have had their results fully processed and released.

However, 3,809 candidates (5.79 per cent) still have some subjects under processing due to errors attributed to them. The council assured affected candidates that efforts are ongoing to complete verification and release outstanding results.

WAEC also disclosed that 1,899 candidates (2.89 per cent) had their results withheld over suspected examination malpractice. These cases are currently under investigation and will be reviewed by the appropriate committee, with outcomes communicated directly to the candidates involved.

Female Candidates Take the Lead

The gender breakdown revealed 32,005 male candidates (48.68 per cent) and 33,747 female candidates (51.32 per cent). Among those who secured five credits including English and Mathematics, 14,311 females (51.61 per cent) outperformed 13,416 males (48.39 per cent).

The examination was conducted between November 11 and December 17, 2025.

WAEC advised candidates to check their results online and proceed to access digital certificates, noting that physical copies can also be requested through its certificate portal.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to quality service delivery and transparency in Nigeria’s examination system.