WAEC 2025 results show a 33.8% drop in pass rate, blamed on new anti-malpractice protocols. Only 38.32% earned key subject credits, WAEC confirms

WAEC 2025 results were released on Monday, revealing a staggering 33.8% drop in candidate performance compared to the previous year a decline WAEC attributes to recently introduced anti-malpractice measures.

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Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of the WAEC National Office, announced during a press briefing in Lagos that only 38.32% of the 1,969,313 candidates obtained credits in five key subjects, including English and Mathematics.

This marks a sharp contrast to the 72.12% recorded in 2024.

WAEC linked the decline to new measures such as serialised objective papers, designed to make cheating significantly more difficult. “These reforms were necessary to restore credibility, even if they impacted scores in the short term,” Dangut said.

Out of all candidates, 1,517,517 results (77.06%) were fully processed, while 22.94% are still pending due to technical or administrative issues.

Interestingly, female candidates slightly outperformed males, securing 53.99% of the total successful results in English and Maths.

Meanwhile, the number of candidates with withheld results due to malpractice dropped to 9.75%, down from 11.92% in 2024. A total of 12,178 candidates with special needs also sat the exam, and their results were processed inclusively.

WAEC reaffirmed its commitment to Computer-Based Testing (CBT), announcing that by 2026, all school candidates will sit the WASSCE using a fully digital platform. In 2025, candidates had a hybrid CBT option.

However, Dangut warned that students sponsored by indebted state governments may not access their results until debts are paid.

In a major digital push, WAEC introduced tools like the WAEC E-Study platform, the WAECKonnect app, and digital certificates available within 48 hours of release.

The Council promised continued innovation to enhance transparency and accessibility.

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WAEC 2025 results may reflect lower performance, but officials say it marks a bold step toward integrity and modernization in West Africa’s education system.