The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) announced the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results for school candidates on August 4, 2025.
The statement, shared via WAEC’s official X handle, ends weeks of anticipation for students, parents, and schools across West Africa. Candidates can now check their results online, marking a key milestone for those planning their academic futures.
How to Access Your Results
Candidates can view their results on WAEC’s official portal at waecdirect.org. To check, use your 10-digit WAEC Examination Number (7-digit center number plus 3-digit candidate number, e.g., 4123456789) and a result checker PIN.
For pre-1999 exams, an 8-digit number is needed. Alternatively, candidates can use the WAEC mobile app or send an SMS in the format: WAECExamNoPIN*ExamYear to 32327 (MTN, Glo, Airtel; N30 charge). Visit WAEC’s website for detailed instructions.
Exam Scale and Performance Snapshot
The 2025 WASSCE saw 1,973,253 candidates from 23,554 secondary schools across West Africa. Only 38.32% (754,545 candidates) achieved credits in five mandatory subjects, including English and Mathematics, down from 72.12% in 2024.
Additionally, 192,089 candidates (9.75%) have results withheld due to suspected malpractice, a decrease from 11.92% last year, partly due to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for select subjects. WAEC will soon share detailed regional performance breakdowns.
Addressing Exam Controversies
The 2025 WASSCE faced issues, including a delayed English Language paper on May 28, 2025, which frustrated parents.
Rumors of exam cancellation due to alleged widespread malpractice were dismissed by WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, who labeled them as false and urged candidates to rely on official updates. These clarifications aim to maintain trust in the examination process.
Next Steps for Candidates
Candidates can download digital certificates from WAEC’s website within 12 hours, with physical copies sent to schools later. Results for state-sponsored candidates may be withheld if fees are unpaid. The 192,089 withheld results are under review, with outcomes pending. These results are vital for university admissions, making timely access crucial for students.