WAEC releases 2025 CB-WASSCE private candidates results, records drop in performance

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2025 Second Series of the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates, showing a decline in overall performance compared to last year.

In a statement issued on Monday night, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, revealed that only 42.17 per cent of candidates obtained credit passes in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

According to WAEC, the figure represents a drop of 11.47 percentage points from the 2024 results, raising concerns among stakeholders about students’ academic preparedness and exam outcomes.

The council attributed the figures to the competitive nature of the examinations and encouraged candidates to continue striving for academic improvement.

This represents a drop from the 53.64 per cent recorded in 2024. In 2023, 44.29 per cent of candidates achieved the same benchmark.

“The percentage of candidates in this category in the 2023 and 2024 – Second Series was 44.29 per cent and 53.64 per cent, respectively. Thus, there is a marginal decrease of 11.47 per cent in performance in this regard,” the statement partly read.

Out of the 65,752 candidates who sat the examination, 27,727 (42.17) secured five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.

WAEC, however, noted that performance statistics for private candidates cannot be directly compared with those of school candidates, as the private examination consists of candidates outside the formal school system.

The result analysis further showed that 33,989 candidates, representing 51.69 per cent, obtained credit passes in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and Mathematics.

A total of 69,604 candidates registered for the examination, reflecting a 1.8 per cent increase from the 68,342 who enrolled in 2024. Of this number, 65,752 candidates sat the examination at 370 centres nationwide.

The council disclosed that 61,943 candidates, representing 94.21 per cent of those who sat the examination, have had their results fully processed and released.

However, 3,809 candidates (5.79 per cent) still have some of their subjects being processed due to errors traceable to them.

“Efforts are being made to speedily complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released subsequently,” WAEC said.

WAEC also revealed that 1,899 candidates, representing 2.89 per cent of the total number that sat the examination, have had their results withheld over alleged examination malpractice.

“The cases are being investigated, and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate Committee of the Council for determination. The Committee’s decisions will be communicated directly to the affected candidates thereafter,” the statement added.

Providing a gender breakdown, the council said 32,005 candidates (48.68 per cent) were male, while 33,747 (51.32 per cent) were female.

Of those who obtained five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, 13,416 (48.39 per cent) were male, while 14,311 (51.61 per cent) were female.

The examination was conducted between November 11 and December 17, 2025.

The council advised candidates to check their results online to confirm their status and proceed to access digital copies of their certificates, while hard copies can be requested through its certificate portal.

“Once again, we assure all our stakeholders of our dedication and commitment to excellent service delivery,” WAEC stated.