In a major technological shift, the West African Examinations Council has launched the first-ever Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, aimed at enhancing exam delivery and reducing malpractice.

Dr. Amos Dangut, the Head of Nigeria’s National Office at WAEC, spoke at a press briefing at the WAEC National Office in Yaba, Lagos, where he confirmed the council's full preparedness for the upcoming examination.

He also announced that the 2025 WASSCE for school candidates will take place across Nigeria from Thursday, April 24, to Friday, June 20, 2025.

Dangut revealed that 1,973,253 candidates from 23,554 schools have registered for the exam, marking an increase of over 158,000 compared to the previous year. Among the candidates, 979,228 are males (49.63%) and 994,025 are females (50.37%), reflecting a steady rise in female participation.

He further said, “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.”

Acknowledging the security challenges that have previously impacted exam administration in certain regions, Dangut stated, “Conducting examinations under such circumstances has been difficult, but we have successfully overcome these hurdles. 

The Council continues to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and State Governments to ensure the exams run smoothly and without disruptions.”

He also emphasized the importance of adhering to examination rules, warning candidates, supervisors, and schools to strictly comply in order to avoid malpractice and appealed to parents, teachers, and school officials to discourage malpractice and called on media organisations to support WAEC’s awareness campaigns.

Dangut confirmed that the 2025 examination results would be published within 45 days of the last paper, and certificates would be distributed within 90 days. 

“Digital copies of certificates will be accessible through the WAEC Digital Certificate platform,” he added before saying a few words to appreciate stakeholders for their support.