- WAEC introduces personalised question sets in select subjects, saying no two candidates will receive the same questions on each number
- The innovation aims to combat widespread examination malpractice in Nigeria’s secondary schools
- The 2025 May/June WASSCE is set to hold from April 24 to June 20
In a bold move to curb examination malpractice, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Nigeria has introduced major changes to the format of the 2025 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.
According to the Head of National Office, WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Amos Dangut, candidates will now receive individualised sets of questions for some subjects in the upcoming examination.
This innovation is part of WAEC’s strategy to enhance exam integrity and ensure fairness.
“From this year, two candidates will not have the same questions on each number. We have adopted this innovation for some of the WASSCE codes,” Dr. Dangut explained.
He also issued a strong warning to candidates who attempt to write exams other than those assigned to them, noting that such actions would have serious consequences.
The 2025 May/June WASSCE is scheduled to hold from April 24 to June 20, 2025.
Computer-based WASSCE debuts
WAEC has also rolled out its first-ever Computer-Based WASSCE (CB-WASSCE) for school candidates.
While participation is currently optional, the innovation marks a significant step in the council’s move towards digital transformation.
Dr. Dangut noted that the question sets for CB-WASSCE will be tailored to each candidate’s registration details.
Schools that are adequately prepared will have the option to choose between the traditional pen-and-paper format or the new digital format.
“The CB-WASSCE 2025 is thrown open, so schools that are ready will be given the opportunity to choose,” he said, adding that the new format supports the Federal Government’s efforts to digitise the education sector.
Zero tolerance for exam malpractice
WAEC reaffirmed its strict stance against examination malpractice.
Dr. Dangut cautioned school authorities, candidates, and supervisors to strictly adhere to WAEC’s examination rules and regulations.
“Schools involved in mass cheating will be derecognised, officials will be sanctioned, and candidates found guilty will face disciplinary measures,” he warned.
He emphasised that all examination stakeholders must familiarise themselves with the WAEC Syllabus and Guidelines to avoid any form of misconduct.
The Council also pledged continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and state governments to ensure secure and malpractice-free examinations.
“WAEC will decisively deal with any form of malpractice as approved by the Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC),” Dr Dangut added.
Enrollment and supervision
This year’s exam will see 1,973,253 candidates from 23,554 schools across Nigeria. Of this number, 979,228 are male (49.63%) and 994,025 are female (50.37%).
The total represents an increase of 158,627 candidates compared to the previous year.
Candidates will be examined in 74 subjects across 196 papers, with over 26,000 senior secondary school teachers nominated by various Ministries of Education serving as examination supervisors.
WAEC warns against fake materials
The council also cautioned parents and candidates against patronising rogue websites that claim to offer leaked exam questions.
Dr. Dangut stated that WAEC will work with law enforcement agencies to track and prosecute offenders.
“Parents who patronise rogue website operators should desist from such. The Council will partner with the Nigerian Police Force to bring perpetrators to justice,” he warned.
WAEC has reportedly conducted wide-reaching sensitisation campaigns through its zonal and branch offices to educate school proprietors, teachers, and students about the new examination reforms and the consequences of malpractice.
WAEC withholds 2,577 results due to alleged malpractice
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) withheld the results of 2,577 candidates from the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates (Second Series), due to allegations of examination malpractice.
In a statement issued by Moyosola Adesina, the Acting Head of Public Affairs, WAEC confirmed that a total of 68,342 candidates had registered for the examination, though only 65,023 candidates sat for the exam across 5,067 centres nationwide.