WAEC Apologises as Thousands Get Upgraded SSCE Results After Grading Mistake
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has revised the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results after discovering grading errors in some subjects, significantly increasing the number of candidates who passed English Language and Mathematics.
In a press briefing on Friday in Lagos, WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, revealed that 1,239,884 candidates — representing 62.96% of the total 1,969,313 candidates — now have credit passes in at least five subjects, including English and Mathematics. This marks a dramatic improvement from the 38.32% pass rate initially announced earlier in the week.
Dangut explained that the error was caused by the use of a wrong serialized code file in the grading of the English Language Objective Test (Paper 3), which led to incorrect marking keys. The issue did not affect candidates who took the exam via the computer-based mode.
“With deep sorrow and regret, we acknowledge this embarrassing lapse and the emotional distress it has caused candidates and stakeholders,” Dangut said. “We have corrected the anomaly, and candidates can now access their updated results online.”
According to WAEC, the reviewed results show 582,065 males (46.95%) and 657,819 females (53.05%) achieving the required credits. Despite the upward revision, this year’s performance still reflects a 9.16% drop compared to 2024, when 72.12% of candidates passed English and Maths.
Affected candidates are advised to recheck their results via “www.waecdirect.org” and apply for their digital certificates, which will be available within 48 hours of confirmation. Updated result listings will also be sent to schools.
While WAEC has apologised and pledged measures to prevent a recurrence, the council did not disclose what disciplinary steps would be taken against those responsible for the error. The initial release had drawn heavy criticism from parents and educators, with some citing cases of students who excelled in UTME but inexplicably failed English in the SSCE.
This development comes months after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) also faced technical glitches in its UTME, leading to retakes for some candidates.
