2025 WAEC Result: Only 38.32% Passed English and Maths – WAEC Confirms: The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the 2025 WASSCE results, and the outcome isn’t encouraging. According to the official stats, just 38.32% of candidates had credits in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics — which are core requirements for admission into Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
This is a huge drop from the 72.12% success rate recorded in 2024. So, what happened this year? Let’s break down everything you need to know.
Breakdown of the 2025 WAEC Results
WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, announced the results at a press briefing on Monday. Here are the key points:
- Total candidates who sat: 1,969,313
Candidates who passed with 5 credits including English & Maths: 754,545
- Pass rate: 38.32%
- Male candidates among those who passed: 347,192 (46.01%)
- Female candidates among those who passed: 407,353 (53.99%)
Also, the exam wasn’t only held in Nigeria. Students from Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea who follow the Nigerian curriculum also participated.
Out of the 1,973,365 candidates that registered, 1,969,313 actually sat for the exam which means just about everyone showed up.
What’s Behind the Poor Performance?
According to WAEC, there were several cases of exam malpractice, which affected many candidates. In fact, 192,089 results have been withheld that’s 9.75% of the total.
Why Were Results Withheld?
- Use of mobile phones during the exam
- Organized cheating in some schools
- Other forms of misconduct by students or invigilators
WAEC says all cases are under investigation and will be reviewed by the council’s committee. Affected candidates will be informed through their schools.
Also, WAEC now allows candidates to appeal their malpractice cases if they feel they were wrongly accused.
WAEC Speaks on Exam Malpractice
WAEC made it clear: they’re not backing down on malpractice. Here’s what Dr. Dangut said:
“The Council will continue to sanction all cases of examination malpractice. Schools, supervisors, teachers, and candidates perpetrating this evil are not helping the educational system.”
In short, WAEC wants everyone students, teachers, schools to join hands in cleaning up the system.
How to Check Your 2025 WAEC Result
If you sat for the exam, here’s how to check your result:
- Go to www.waecdirect.org
- Enter your Exam Number
- Input the PIN and Serial Number from your Smart Identity Card
- Click & Set up the exam year column
- Select examination type Private or School Candidates
- Click Submit
Your result should show up within 12 hours. Also, digital certificates will be available within 48 hours of release.
But take note: If your state government is owing WAEC, your result may be withheld until payment is made.
Special Needs Candidates: A Milestone for WAEC
WAEC also recorded a big step forward in inclusive education. This year, 12,178 special needs candidates registered for the exam. They included:
- Visually Challenged: 112
- Hearing Impaired: 615
- Physically or Mentally Challenged: 52
Dr. Dangut described this as a “significant milestone” and encouraged more support for inclusive learning in schools.
When Will Certificates Be Ready?
For those whose results are fully processed and not under investigation, hard copy certificates will be available within 90 days.
So, if your result is good and complete, expect your original certificate in about 3 months.
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Final Thoughts
This year’s WAEC result is a wake-up call. With less than 4 in 10 candidates passing the core subjects, there’s a lot of work to be done from both students and the education system at large.
But don’t lose hope.
If you didn’t pass this time:
Consider sitting for NECO if the result is still pending
Check if your course allows a subject waiver or switch to a related course
Prepare for WAEC GCE or NECO GCE and make sure you improve
Remember, many universities (like UNN, UNILAG, and UNIZIK) require at least 5 credits in English and Mathematics, so make sure your result is complete before proceeding with admission processes.
For now, check your result and plan your next step carefully.
Let us know in the comments if you need help checking your WAEC result, uploading to JAMB portal, or choosing the right course after a failed attempt we’re here to help.
