The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has admitted errors in the results released early in the week with respect to this year’s Senior Secondary School Examination, SSCE, saying 1,239,884 candidates now have credit passes in five subjects or more, including English Language and Mathematics.
The new figure represents 62.9% of the 1,969,313 candidates who took the examination.
Additionally, the new figure is significantly better than the initial figure of 754,545, representing 38.32% of the number of candidates who were said to have credit passes in five or more subjects, including English and Mathematics, in the previously announced results.
Briefing the press in Lagos on Friday evening, the Head of the National Office of WAEC, Dr. Amos Dangut, admitted to some lapses on the part of the Council, especially regarding the serialized questions in objective papers of certain subjects.
“Gentlemen of the media, with deep sense of sorrow and regret, I, on behalf of the Registrar to Council, Management and Staff of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, welcome you to this press briefing to announce the reviewed results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, 2025 in Nigeria.
“You will recall that on Monday, August 4, 2025, the Council, in Nigeria, announced the release of results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, 2025. During the briefing, we informed you that 1,969,313 candidates took the examination, with 976,787 being males and 992,526 being females, representing 49.60% and 50.40%, respectively.
“From the analysis of statistics of candidates’ performance in the examination, we told you that out of the 1,969,313 candidates that sat the examination, 1,718,090 candidates, representing 87.24%, obtained credit and above in a minimum of any five (5) subjects (i.e., with or without English Language and/or Mathematics). And 754,545 candidates, representing 38.32%, obtained credits and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
“However, during an internal post-examination review of the released results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates (SC) 2025, some discrepancies were discovered in the grading of serialized papers. We had earlier informed you that the Council embarked on an innovation (paper serialization) already deployed by a national examination body.
“The Council, being an accountable, transparent and credible organization, further investigated all the serialized papers (Mathematics, English Language, Biology and Economics Objective Papers) and discovered that a serialized code file was wrongly used in the printing of English Language Objective Tests (Paper 3), which resulted in them being scored with wrong keys. Nevertheless, the schools that sat WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025, using the Computer-based mode were not affected by this error.
“Consequently, the observable decline in the performance of candidates earlier announced was partly traceable to this absurd situation. The Council sincerely apologizes for this situation and deeply regrets the emotional and mental distress it may have caused the affected candidates and all stakeholders. We have resolved the anomaly, and candidates can now access their results on the portal (www.waecdirect.org). At this juncture, I would like to announce the accurate results obtained by the candidates.
1,239,884 candidates representing 62.96%, obtained credits and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics
“Of this number, 582,065, representing 46.95% were male candidates, while 657,819, representing 53.05% were female candidates. A comparison of the percentage of candidates in this category in WASSCE for School 2024 and 2025, reveals that in this year’s (2025) WASSCE, there is 9.16% decrease in performance (that is, those who obtained credit and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, as 72.12% of the candidates did that last year.
“Gentlemen of the Media, as the reviewed results of the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025 are being uploaded on the results website, candidates should, after checking the result online, apply for their Digital certificate, which will be released forty-eight (48) hours thereafter. Candidates who have fulfilled their financial obligations to the Council can access their results on the Council’s results website: www.waecdirect.org, within the next twelve hours. Copies of the new Result Listing will be sent to schools shortly.
“Once again, the Management of the West African Examinations Council pleads with all stakeholders to pardon us at this moment. This is very difficult for us to say but we have to admit that it is very embarrassing. We acknowledge the emotional ordeal that candidates, parents, teachers, school administrators, Ministries of Education, the media and other well-meaning stakeholders must have had to deal with. This is a trying time for us at WAEC, we are doing everything we can to ensure that such dismal situation does not recur.”
Dangut, while answering a question on whether every candidate should recheck their results, replied in the affirmative, saying everything has now been put in order.
He was, however, silent on what steps would be taken against those responsible for the mix-up.
Recall that many Nigerians have expressed displeasure over the initially released poor results.
Some candidates who performed well in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, surprisingly performed poorly in English Language, particularly in their initial SSCE results.
For instance, a parent whose child scored 368 in the UTME had distinctions in all eight papers in the WASSCE but failed English Language. The parent complained bitterly to our correspondent and called for a review.
Early this year, JAMB was also affected by technical glitches that marred its UTME and had to ask some candidates to retake their papers.
About the author
Onscreen kissing is weird, unpleasant – Saga Adeoluwa
Nollywood actor and reality TV star Saga Adeoluwa says onscreen kissing is weird and unpleasant and that many viewers are wrong to think actors enjoy it. He says most performers only do such scenes because they are required to tell the story properly, not because they find them exciting. Saga explains that kissing on set is uncomfortable because there is no real intimacy and the exchange of saliva makes it awkward. He adds that the presence of cameras, crew and other actors watching also makes the experience far from romantic. Despite appearing in several romantic movies, Saga says he cannot remember a single onscreen kiss he truly enjoyed. For him, intimate scenes are some of the most challenging parts of acting in love stories. He notes that before shooting any kissing scene, he tries to have a clear discussion with […]
Onscreen kissing is weird, unpleasant – Actor Saga Adeoluwa
Nollywood actor and reality TV star Saga Adeoluwa says actors do not enjoy onscreen kissing and that the experience is often weird and unpleasant. He said many viewers wrongly assume performers like such scenes, but most are only doing them to tell the story well. Saga explained that kissing another actor on set is uncomfortable, mainly because of the exchange of saliva and the lack of real intimacy behind the act. He said it feels strange to have someone invade your mouth while cameras and crew members are watching. He revealed that despite appearing in several romantic films, he has never had a truly pleasant onscreen kiss. According to him, kissing scenes are one of the most challenging parts of acting in love stories. Saga added that before any kissing scene, he usually talks with his co star to set […]
PSG edge Bayern in nine goal Champions League semi final classic
Paris Saint Germain took a narrow lead in their Champions League semi final after beating Bayern Munich 5 4 in a wild first leg at the Parc des Princes. The nine goal thriller was the highest scoring semi final in the history of the competition. Bayern struck first when Harry Kane converted a penalty in the 17th minute. PSG hit back through a brilliant Khvicha Kvaratskhelia strike and a Joao Neves header to lead 2 1, before Michael Olise levelled again for the German side. In first half stoppage time, Ousmane Dembele restored PSG’s advantage from the penalty spot after a handball decision against Alphonso Davies that Bayern strongly protested. That made it 3 2 at the break in a breathless opening 45 minutes. PSG then appeared to take full control early in the second half. Kvaratskhelia and Dembele each […]
I can score against any team, says Osimhen
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen says he believes he can score against any team in the world and that finding the net is a job he does very well. He spoke after his decisive performance for Galatasaray in the heated Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce. Osimhen recently returned from a fractured arm but still managed to score the opening goal in Galatasaray’s 3 0 win over their rivals. He finished calmly from a Mario Lemina pass, underlining his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards. The 2023 CAF Player of the Year said his confidence comes from hard work and belief in his own ability. He stressed that as a striker he is expected to deliver in big games and that he embraces that responsibility. Osimhen added that while he is proud of his goals, the most important thing is […]
World Cup gets cash boost as FIFA plans tough red card rules
FIFA has approved a major increase in World Cup cash distributions while also backing tougher red card rules ahead of this year’s tournament. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the FIFA Council in Vancouver, held before the organisation’s annual congress. Under the new plan, total World Cup payments to participating teams will rise to nearly 900 million dollars, covering prize money, preparation funds and club compensation. The four year World Cup cycle is projected to generate around 13 billion dollars for FIFA, allowing it to boost support to national associations. Prize money for the 2026 World Cup had already been set at about 655 million dollars, around 50 percent higher than at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The champions are due to earn 50 million dollars, with 33 million dollars for the runners up and 9 million dollars […]
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Related
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Xenophobia: NANS tells FG to protect Nigerian students in South Africa
The National Association of Nigerian Students has called on the Federal Government to urgently protect Nigerian students studying in South Africa amid renewed fears of xenophobic attacks. The students’ body said reports from South Africa show growing hostility towards foreigners, including Nigerians, and warned that the situation could escalate if not addressed quickly. NANS leaders urged the government to engage directly with South African authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria. They said diplomatic pressure and clear agreements on the safety of Nigerians are necessary to prevent further attacks and harassment. The association also asked the Federal Government to issue a strong public statement condemning xenophobic violence and reassuring Nigerian students and their families that their safety is a priority. It noted that many students and parents are living in fear as disturbing videos […]
Army arrests 10 terror suspects, rescues kidnap victims in North Central
The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested 10 suspected terrorists and rescued kidnapped victims in recent operations across North Central states. The operations were carried out under various internal security deployments aimed at tackling banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the region. According to a statement by the Army, the suspects were picked up in separate raids on criminal hideouts following credible intelligence. Troops also engaged armed gangs in firefights that forced the criminals to flee and abandon some of their captives. In one of the operations, soldiers rescued at least three kidnap victims who had been held in a forest location. The victims were taken into military care for medical checks before being reunited with their families. The Army said the renewed push is part of a broader offensive to dismantle terrorist and kidnapping networks in North […]
Gunmen attack Ekiti church, kill pastor, abduct worshippers
Gunmen have attacked a church in Eda Oniyo community of Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, killing the presiding pastor and abducting several worshippers during an evening service. The attack took place on Tuesday while the congregation was holding an open air crusade on the outskirts of the town. Witnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers and were heavily armed. They reportedly opened fire, shooting the pastor on the spot before seizing some members of the church and marching them into the nearby forest. Although the exact number of those kidnapped has not been confirmed, residents say many worshippers are still unaccounted for, throwing the community into panic. Others managed to escape in the confusion, running into surrounding bushes to hide from the attackers. A top state government official and member of the Ekiti security committee, who spoke […]
Sanwo Olu says Hamzat best to succeed him as governor
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has described his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as the best person to take over from him as governor in 2027. He said Hamzat has the experience, capacity and deep understanding of governance needed to lead the state. Sanwo Olu spoke after a closed door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally informed him and key stakeholders of his intention to run for governor. The meeting was attended by members of the State Executive Council, party leaders and influential figures within the All Progressives Congress. Addressing journalists, Sanwo Olu said there was broad agreement among stakeholders that Hamzat is fit, ready and well prepared for the job. He praised his deputy as a loyal partner who has played a central role in shaping policies and projects over the past seven years. The governor noted […]
₦1m salary useless without stable Naira – NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress says a monthly salary of 1 million naira is meaningless for workers without a stable currency and better economic conditions. NLC President Joe Ajaero said this in an interview in Abuja, stressing that workers are more concerned about the real value of their income than the figures on paper. Ajaero explained that rising inflation and the continuous fall of the naira have sharply reduced the purchasing power of workers. He noted that many employees struggle to afford basic needs such as food, transport, healthcare and housing, regardless of how high their nominal salary appears. According to him, what matters is not just wage increases but policies that can strengthen the naira and bring down the cost of living. He argued that without price stability and a stronger currency, even a 1 million naira monthly wage will […]