NIGERIA: WAEC Introduces Unique Exam Papers For 2025 WASSCE

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the introduction of varied question papers for candidates for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to the council, this new innovation is aimed at combating examination malpractice and strengthening the credibility of the exams.

Announcing the development at a press briefing held at WAEC’s national office in Yaba, Lagos, the Head of Nigeria’s National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut stated that the Council is leveraging technology to transform exam administration.

He revealed that the 2025 WASSCE, scheduled from April 24 to June 20, will feature different sets of questions for each candidate.

Dr. Dangut stated: “From this year onwards, no two candidates will have the same questions, which is a significant step towards upholding academic integrity.”

He also emphasized the Council’s growing adoption of digital methods, noting the eventual rollout of computer-based WASSCE for school candidates.

This year’s examination will see a record 1,973,253 candidates from 23,554 schools comprising 979,228 males and 994,025 females, indicating a rise in female participation

He further added: “The statistics indicate a continued growth in female participation, which is encouraging.”

To simplify registration, the National Identification Number (NIN) has been included as a component, though it is not compulsory at the initial stage.

He also explained: “We wanted to ensure all candidates could access the registration portal without unnecessary barriers.”

Addressing concerns over insecurity, he acknowledged the risks involved in conducting exams across the country but assured that WAEC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and state governments, is working to ensure safe and smooth examinations.

Dr. Dangut noted: ” We can not ignore the realities of conducting examinations amidst insecurity. In the previous WASSCE, we faced threats in certain areas, but we managed to ensure that examinations continued safely.”

WAEC, however, reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice.

“We are committed to decisively dealing with any form of examination fraud. The penalties for involvement in malpractice will be strictly enforced to maintain the integrity of our examinations,” Dr. Dangut warned.