Over 1.9 Million Students to Participate in Nigeria’s First Computer-Based WASSCE

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the launch of the first-ever Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for school candidates in Nigeria.

The 2025 edition of the exam will run from April 24 to June 20 across the country, with over 1.97 million students from 23,554 schools registered to participate. This marks an increase of over 158,000 candidates compared to 2024, according to Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Dangut explained that the digital transition is designed to improve exam delivery, strengthen academic integrity, and reduce malpractice. “It will interest you to know that from this year, two candidates will not have the same questions on each number,” he said, highlighting a new variation approach aimed at curbing cheating.

Of the registered candidates, 979,228 are male (49.63%) and 994,025 are female (50.37%), reflecting a steady increase in female participation. The exams will cover 74 subjects across 196 papers, with over 26,000 teachers enlisted as supervisors.

Addressing the security concerns in volatile regions, WAEC said it is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and state governments to ensure a hitch-free examination. On exam malpractice, Dangut issued a stern warning: “Candidates’ paper variations for CB-WASSCE 2025 have been preprinted. Any candidate who chooses to write a paper other than the one assigned will bear the consequences.”

To support student preparation, WAEC has launched digital tools such as the WAEC E-Study Portal, WAEC E-Learning Portal, and WAEC Konnect. These platforms offer access to past questions, performance analytics, and real-time communication for candidates and stakeholders.

Dangut also cautioned parents against patronising rogue websites offering leaked exam materials, describing them as “evildoers bent on frustrating WAEC’s efforts.”

The council promises to release the 2025 WASSCE results within 45 days of the exam’s conclusion and to issue digital certificates via the WAEC Digital Certificate platform within 90 days.