…admits that a grading error in the 2025 WASSCE English Language Objective Paper had distorted the earlier results – WAEC
LAGOS, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced a significant revision to the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, raising the pass rate in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, from 38.32% to 62.96%.
Head of the National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, disclosed the new figures during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday evening, admitting that a grading error in the English Language Objective Paper had distorted the earlier results.
“You will recall that on Monday, August 4, 2025, we announced that only 38.32% of candidates obtained credit passes in five subjects, including English and Mathematics.
However, during an internal review, we discovered discrepancies caused by a wrongly used serialised code file in the English Language Objective Paper,” Dangut said.
According to WAEC, the error originated from the printing process of the serialised papers an innovation borrowed from a national examination body and resulted in the use of incorrect answer keys for the English Language test.
Mathematics, Biology, and Economics Objective Papers were also reviewed, though the error was isolated to English Language. Candidates who sat the examination using the computer-based mode were unaffected.
The revised results now show that 1,239,884 candidates, representing 62.96%, obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English and Mathematics. Of this number, 582,065 (46.95%) were male and 657,819 (53.05%) were female.
Despite the improvement, the pass rate still reflects a 9.16% drop compared to the 2024 WASSCE, where 72.12% of candidates achieved the same benchmark.
Dangut issued a formal apology on behalf of the Council, describing the incident as “embarrassing” and expressing deep regret for the distress caused to candidates, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders.
“This is very difficult for us to say, but we have to admit that it is very embarrassing. We acknowledge the emotional ordeal this may have caused. We are doing everything possible to ensure such a situation does not recur,” he said.
WAEC urged candidates to recheck their results at www.waecdirect.org and apply for their digital certificates, which will be available within 48 hours. Updated result listings will also be sent to schools.
