The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the introduction of its first-ever Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates, aimed at enhancing examination delivery and curbing malpractice, with the examination scheduled from April 24 to June 20, 2025

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a landmark move towards technological advancement in educational assessment, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the introduction of its first-ever Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for School Candidates.

Also read: WAEC releases 2024 WASSCE results for school candidates

The council stated that this significant shift is aimed at significantly improving the efficiency of examination delivery and effectively curbing the persistent issue of examination malpractice.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the WAEC National Office in Yaba, Lagos, on Thursday, the Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Dr. Amos Dangut, affirmed that the council is fully prepared for the conduct of this pioneering examination.

Dr. Dangut announced that the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025, is scheduled to take place from Thursday, April 24 to Friday, June 20, 2025, across Nigeria.

“The Council has introduced its maiden Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025,” Dr. Dangut stated.

“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.”

He revealed that a total of 1,973,253 candidates from 23,554 schools have registered to participate in the examination, marking an increase of over 158,000 candidates compared to the previous year.

Of this total, 979,228 are males (49.63 per cent) and 994,025 are females (50.37 per cent), indicating a continued positive trend in female participation in the examination.

“The examination will cover 74 subjects with 196 papers, and over 26,000 senior secondary school teachers will serve as supervisors nationwide,” he added.

Dr. Dangut acknowledged the security challenges that have previously impacted examination administration in certain regions of the country.

He stated, “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.”

Addressing the critical issue of examination malpractice, Dr. Dangut issued a stern warning to all candidates, supervisors, and schools, urging strict adherence to all examination rules and regulations.

“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 appealed to parents, teachers, and school officials to actively discourage any form of malpractice and called upon media organizations to support WAEC’s ongoing public awareness campaigns.

“School principals and teachers should sensitise their students to the dangers of this terrible crime against humanity. A word is enough for the wise,” he emphasized.

The Council has introduced its maiden Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025… 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,” said Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Dr. Amos Dangut.

Dr. Dangut further highlighted WAEC’s commitment to supporting candidates’ preparation by unveiling several digital platforms, including the WAEC E-Study Portal (providing 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 (facilitating communication and updates for candidates and stakeholders).

He also mentioned the compilation of Past Question Papers and Chief Examiners’ Reports for various subjects to aid candidates in understanding expectations and improving their performance.

A strong warning was also issued by Dr. Dangut to operators of rogue websites, whom he described as a significant threat to the future of Nigerian students.

“Parents are hereby cautioned to desist from patronising these evildoers who are hell-bent on frustrating the efforts of WAEC,” he cautioned. “We shall, as usual, work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian Police Force to bring perpetrators to book.”

Dr. Dangut assured that the results of the 2025 examination would be released within 45 days after the last paper, and certificates would be issued within 90 days.

He also announced that “digital copies of certificates will be accessible through the WAEC Digital Certificate platform.”

He reaffirmed WAEC’s unwavering commitment to conducting a credible and transparent examination in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, State Ministries of Education, security agencies, and all other relevant stakeholders.

Also read: No official date for WASSCE results release – WAEC

“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,” Dr. Dangut concluded.