For the first time in five years, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has recorded a significant jump in student performance.
The council revealed that 70.6% of candidates who sat for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Nigeria secured five credits and above, including English and Mathematics.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Monday, WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, attributed the success to increased early preparation, curriculum alignment, and stricter exam monitoring.
“We’re seeing the fruits of better planning and reduced exam malpractice,” he said. Over 1.67 million students sat for the exams nationwide.
This improved result could lead to a spike in university applications this year, as more students now meet the minimum requirement for tertiary education. Several university admissions offices have already reported higher inquiries ahead of the JAMB CAPS admissions window opening later this month.
Parents and education stakeholders have praised the outcome, though many still worry about gaps in rural education. Some experts suggest the numbers reflect improvement in exam coaching rather than classroom learning. Even so, the result is a win for thousands of students who have now cleared a major hurdle on their academic journey.
