West African Examinations Council Releases 2025 CB-WASSCE Second Series Results, 42.17% Secure Key Credits

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2025 Second Series Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates, with 42.17 per cent obtaining five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.

In a statement issued by its National Office in Lagos, WAEC disclosed that 69,604 candidates registered for the examination, marking a 1.8 per cent increase from the 68,342 candidates recorded in 2024. Of the registered number, 65,752 candidates eventually sat for the examination across 370 centres nationwide.

The gender breakdown shows that 32,005 candidates (48.68 per cent) were male, while 33,747 (51.32 per cent) were female, reflecting a slightly higher female participation rate. WAEC also noted that 235 candidates with special needs — including visually impaired and hearing-impaired individuals — participated in the examination, underscoring efforts toward inclusivity.

Performance Breakdown

According to the council, 61,943 candidates, representing 94.21 per cent of those who sat for the examination, have had their results fully processed and released. However, 3,809 candidates (5.79 per cent) still have one or more subjects being processed due to errors attributed to them. WAEC assured affected candidates that efforts are ongoing to complete the processing promptly.

Performance analysis revealed that 33,989 candidates (51.69 per cent) obtained credit and above in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and Mathematics. More significantly, 27,727 candidates — representing 42.17 per cent of those who sat for the examination — secured five credits and above, including both English Language and Mathematics. This benchmark is widely regarded as the minimum requirement for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Of the candidates who met this benchmark, 13,416 (48.39 per cent) were male, while 14,311 (51.61 per cent) were female, continuing the slight female lead in overall performance.

Malpractice Cases and Withheld Results

WAEC further disclosed that 1,899 candidates, representing 2.89 per cent of the total number who sat for the examination, had their results withheld over allegations of examination malpractice. The council stated that investigations are ongoing and that affected candidates will be duly informed once the review process is concluded.

The council reiterated its commitment to maintaining examination integrity, particularly with the gradual transition to computer-based testing. Observers say the adoption of CBT for the private candidates’ examination is part of broader reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing examination malpractice, and enhancing result processing timelines.

How to Check Results

Candidates have been advised to check their results via the official WAEC result portal. After confirming their results, they may proceed to the digital certificate platform to access their certificates.

For those who require physical certificates, WAEC directed them to apply through the WAEC Certificate Request Portal, popularly known as e-Certman.

Growing Shift to Digital Examination

The 2025 CB-WASSCE Second Series reflects WAEC’s continued move toward technology-driven examination systems. Education analysts note that computer-based testing offers improved monitoring, quicker processing, and potentially stronger safeguards against malpractice.

While the 42.17 per cent benchmark performance indicates moderate success, stakeholders say continued investment in teaching quality, infrastructure, and candidate preparation will be crucial to improving outcomes in future examinations.

With the results now officially released, thousands of candidates across the country can begin the next phase of their academic or career journeys, armed with clarity about their performance.