WAEC going through questions as 2025 WASSCE outcomes see mass failure in English, Arithmetic

The West African Examination Council, WAEC, is the target of outrage and criticisms following the release of the May/June 2025 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, WASSCE.

The breakdown of the results has sparked nationwide reactions among students, parents, educators, and policymakers.

According to WAEC, only 38% of candidates obtained at least five credit passes in subjects including English Language and Mathematics – two core subjects required for admission into tertiary institutions.

This is a sharp drop from last year’s pass rate of 72.12%, It also makes it the worst performance in recent history.

Richard Ayo-Dairo PhD, with the X handle @RArakunrin, tweeted: “No one is talking about the WAEC 2025 Midnight English Language examination, which the outcome definitely has root in the mass failure of English Language in this year exercise.

“Someone should be held responsible for laxity against the future of our nation.”

In Femi Organ (@FemiOrgan)’s opinion, “How many students can speak proper and correct English.

“For those who can speak well, can they even define what they speak or analyze in context.

“Most of them can’t even type and short words have spoilt them. This is not about WAEC, I have them around. Empty Barrels.”

Interestingly, this malpractice rate dropped from 11.92% to 2.17% this year, a statistic that probably reflects the introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in some subjects, including English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Economics.