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2025 WASSCE: WAEC Confirms Readiness, Goes Tough Against Malpractice

Published

1 year ago

April 17, 2025

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, says it has put measures in place to prevent examination malpractice in the forthcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) holding May/June 2025.

Dr Amos Dangut, Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, at a news conference on Thursday said that

The council had introduced variations of papers for candidates.

“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.

“Any candidate who chooses to write a paper other than the one assigned to him or her will be doing himself/herself a disservice and will bear the attendant consequences,” he said.

Dangut said the council had also introduced its maiden Computer-Based CB-WASSCE for School Candidates, noting that the initiative was part of the paradigm shift in the education sector.

He, however, stressed that the CB-WASSCE was optional for now.

According to Dangut, candidates’ paper variations for the papers to be deployed for CB-WASSCE 2025 had been preprinted according to their registration details.

He said this was also geared towards combating the menace of examination malpractice.

“The CB-WASSCE 2025 is thrown open, so schools that are ready will be given the opportunity to choose between traditional pen and paper examinations or the newly introduced CB-WASSCE in the forthcoming WAEC.

“The adoption of these current test administration techniques is geared towards upholding the academic and moral integrity of the National Policy on Education and is in line with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Education.”

The WAEC boss, therefore, called on parents and guardians to encourage their wards to study diligently while urging school principals and teachers to sensitise their students to desist from engaging in any form of examination malpractice.

“The various state ministries of education are also urged to call their principals, teachers and other officials serving as inspectors and/or supervisors to order.

“Every candidate and examination functionary should familiarise themselves with the rules guiding the conduct of the examination as stipulated in the WAEC Syllabus and Guidelines for the conduct of examinations, issued to schools.

“Erring schools whose candidates engage in mass cheating will be derecognised; erring officials will be adequately punished, while erring candidates will be sanctioned if found culpable.”

Dangut assured that the council would continue to partner with the Nigeria Police Force through the Inspector General of Police and the various state governments to provide adequate security for the smooth and hitch-free conduct of the examination.

“The council remains grateful to state governments for their partnership and collaborative efforts throughout the conduct of WASSCE and in the council’s ongoing war against the menace of examination malpractice.

“The Council will decisively deal with examination malpractice of any kind as approved by the Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC), being the highest decision-making organ of the Council that sits on examination matters in Nigeria.

“The penalties for involvement in examination malpractice will always, without compromise, be meted out to erring candidates, supervisors, schools, among others.

“The Council has rolled out several awareness campaigns and organised seminars for school proprietors, principals, students and other key stakeholders through its branch and zonal offices nationwide to sensitise them on the effects,” he added.

The WAEC boss disclosed that the exams would take place from April 24 to June 20, 2025, in the country, adding that a total of 1,973,253 candidates from 23,554 schools had presented candidates for the examination.

He stated that the number comprised of 979,228 males, amounting to 49.63 per cent, and 994,025 females, which is 50.37 per cent of the total candidature.

Dangut noted that the statistics showed a further increase in the number of females and males compared to the previous years.

“On the role, the candidacy for this year increased by 158,627 candidates; they will be examined in 74 subjects, made up of 196 papers.

“About 26,000 practising senior secondary school teachers, nominated by various ministries of education, will be participating in the examination as supervisors.”

Dangut also advised parents who patronise rogue website operators to desist from such, saying that WAEC would not condone their heinous acts during the conduct of this examination.

He declared that the council will collaborate with the Nigerian Police Force to bring perpetrators to book, adding that there would be no hiding place for them.

According to him, resources have been made available in the WASSCE Core Subjects, Arts Subjects, Science Subjects and Commercial Subjects as a way of assisting candidates prepare for the examination.

“WAEC E-Study Portal is the approved exams preparatory platform, designed for candidates preparing to sit the WASSCE. This enables schools, teachers and students to access past WASSCE questions (multiple-choice or theory-based), learning plans, marking schemes and performance insights.

“Candidates should visit waec.estudy.ng to access the portal. WAEC has made available, via its e-learning portal, resources that will equip candidates’ with the requirements and expectations needed to write and pass their examinations.

“Students’ performances in previous examinations are analysed with the aim of highlighting candidates’ weaknesses and proffering solutions to assist candidates’ learning.

“Candidates should visit https://WAEConline.org.ng to access the portal.

“Also, the WAEC Konnect portal has been developed to enable candidates and stakeholders to interact with the Council, as well as with each other, in preparation for the examination.

“This will, in turn, help candidates to keep abreast of necessary information regarding the examination diet.

“Candidates can log on to https://www.waeckonnect.com/ to get started; it contains past question papers and answers with chief examiners’ report booklets.

“This is a compilation of past WASSCE questions with responses, the marking schemes and the Chief Examiners’ Report on the relevant examination diets to aid candidates’ learning,” he explained.
(NAN)

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
‎
‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
‎
‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.