“No Two Candidates Will Have Same Questions” — WAEC Says As Over 1.9 Million Students Set To Sit For Nigeria’s First Computer-Based WASSCE

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that it will introduce Nigeria’s first-ever Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates in 2025, marking a significant technological shift in the country’s examination process.

During a press briefing at the WAEC National Office in Yaba, Lagos, Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Dr. Amos Dangut, revealed that this new approach is aimed at improving the examination process and curbing malpractice.

He stated, “The Council has introduced its maiden Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025. It will interest you to know that from this year, two candidates will not have the same questions on each number. This is part of a paradigm shift in test administration techniques to uphold academic integrity.”

WAEC’s innovative step aims to address concerns of exam malpractice, with the implementation of paper variations for each candidate. This ensures that each candidate receives a unique set of questions, significantly reducing the chances of cheating.

A total of 1,973,253 candidates from 23,554 schools across Nigeria have registered for the 2025 examination, showing an increase of over 158,000 from the previous year. Of these candidates, 979,228 are male (49.63%) and 994,025 are female (50.37%), demonstrating a continued rise in female participation.

The examination will cover 74 subjects with 196 papers, and more than 26,000 senior secondary school teachers are expected to serve as supervisors nationwide.

Dangut addressed the security challenges faced by the council in past years but reassured the public that these challenges have been surmounted through collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and state governments.

“Conducting examinations in such situations has been challenging, though surmounted. The Council has continued to partner with the Nigeria Police Force and State Governments to ensure the smooth and hitch-free conduct of the examination,” he said.

He also warned against examination malpractice, urging candidates, supervisors, and schools to adhere strictly to the rules.

“The Council decisively deals with examination malpractice. Candidates’ paper variations for the CB-WASSCE 2025 have been preprinted. Any candidate who chooses to write a paper other than the one assigned will bear the consequences,” he said.

In an effort to support candidates in preparing for the exams, WAEC has launched several digital platforms, including the WAEC E-Study Portal, which provides access to past questions, marking schemes, and learning plans; the WAEC E-Learning Portal, offering performance analysis and solutions to common challenges; and WAEC Konnect, which facilitates communication and updates for candidates and stakeholders.

WAEC also issued a stern warning to operators of fraudulent websites, stating that they are a threat to Nigerian students’ futures. “Parents are hereby cautioned to desist from patronising these evildoers who are hell-bent on frustrating the efforts of WAEC,” Dr. Dangut warned. “We shall, as usual, work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Police Force to bring perpetrators to book.”

The results of the 2025 examination will be released within 45 days after the last paper, and certificates will be issued within 90 days. Additionally, digital copies of certificates will be available through the WAEC Digital Certificate platform.

Dangut concluded by reaffirming WAEC’s commitment to delivering a credible examination process in collaboration with various stakeholders.

“We remain ever grateful to all stakeholders for their continued support. We cherish the partnership of the media and urge you to join us in delivering a successful WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025,” he said.