Massive Drop in WAEC Results Sparks National Outcry: Parents, Educators Demand Exam Review

A dramatic drop in the 2025 WASSCE pass rate—from 72% to 38%—has triggered nationwide outrage, with parents, educators, and stakeholders blaming poor exam conditions, systemic issues, and new question formats, while demanding a review or cancellation of the exams.

There is growing outrage across Nigeria following the sharp decline in student performance in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with many parents and education stakeholders now calling for the cancellation—or at least a review—of the exams.

According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), only 38.32% of candidates secured credits in at least five subjects, including English and Mathematics. This marks a dramatic fall from the 72.12% pass rate recorded in 2024.

The release of the results has triggered nationwide discussions, with parents, educators, and advocacy groups demanding answers and reforms.

Anger, Disbelief, and Calls for Action

On platforms like the Concerned Parents and Educators (CPE) forum, reactions have been emotional and intense.

“WAEC has done it again. Mass failure in English and Math. Students wrote 450-word essays under torchlight at 10:30 pm, swatting mosquitoes in classrooms. Is this what we call an exam?”
— Adegoke Bimpe Atoke, parent and education advocate

Another parent, Abiodun Adesanya Adeleke, criticized the irregular exam conditions:

“English should be retaken. Students wrote in mosquito-infested classes until past 9:00 pm. How do we call that a standardized test?”

Differing Views from Educators

While many blame WAEC, some teachers believe the problem lies elsewhere.

Mr. Adebayo Ifeoluwa, a teacher in Lagos, commented:

“Exams in my school ran on time. If others were delayed, who’s responsible? WAEC didn’t schedule night exams.”

Exam Format Changes Cited as Key Factor

A WAEC insider disclosed that the introduction of serialization—where questions appear in different orders for each student—impacted performance significantly.

“Question 1 for one candidate might be Question 20 for another. This curbed cheating, but many students struggled with the new format.”

Broader Issues in the Education Sector

Some, like education commentator Rex Oscar, believe the issue is deeper than poor study habits:

“It’s easy to say students didn’t read. But how can over 70% fail? Even high scorers in JAMB failed WAEC English. This needs to be investigated.”

Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, President of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), called for urgent reforms:

“Teacher shortages, unaffordable textbooks, and poor welfare for educators are hurting the system. Parents also need to be more involved in their children’s education.”

What Happens Next?

As frustration builds, stakeholders are urging WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education to respond and take corrective action. So far, no official statement has been released.

READ ALSO: 17-Year-Old Oyo Boy’s WAEC Results Go Viral

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GISTREEL