West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Under Fire as 2025 WASSCE results see mass failure in English, Mathematics

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is facing intense backlash after the release of the 2025 May/June WASSCE results revealed a dramatic decline in performance. Only 38% of students secured at least five credits including English Language and Mathematics, a steep drop from 72.12% in 2024  the lowest pass rate in recent years.

The result has sparked outrage across social media, with educators, parents, and students demanding accountability. Education analyst Dr. Richard Ayo-Dairo suggested that the controversial midnight English Language exam may be partly responsible, calling for an investigation into possible negligence.

See also: (In Nigeria) Iyabo Ojo Accuses Police Commissioner of Favouritism Toward VeryDarkMan

While some blame WAEC, others point to deeper systemic issues. A user on X, 

@FemiOrgan, criticized the general literacy level among students, arguing that social media and poor foundational education are bigger culprits than the examination body itself.

Interestingly, WAEC also reported a significant drop in exam malpractice  from 11.92% in 2024 to just 2.17% in 2025, largely attributed to the introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in core subjects. While this step is hailed as a win for integrity, it also raises questions about student preparedness for digital assessment environments.

As calls for reform grow louder, the education sector now faces renewed pressure to address both the quality of teaching and the evolving demands of modern assessments.

See also: (In South Africa) Suspended IDT CEO Tebogo Malaka Caught on Camera Attempting to Bribe Journalist with R60,000