The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates Second Series. The Acting Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, Moyosola Adesina, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the 2024 examination was conducted using a hybrid format, combining the traditional paper-based method with a computer-based approach for the first time. A total of 65,023 candidates sat for the examination across 5,067 centres nationwide, while 68,342 had initially registered. WAEC reported a 20 percent decline in participation compared to the previous year. Among the candidates, 157 with special needs, including visually and hearing-impaired individuals, were accommodated.
According to WAEC, 43,923 candidates (67.55 per cent) achieved credit passes in at least five subjects, regardless of English and Mathematics. Meanwhile, 34,878 candidates (53.64 per cent) secured at least five credits, including the two key subjects, meeting the standard for Tertiary Education admission. The council reported a 9.35 percent improvement in the pass rate compared to 2022 and 2023, indicating a positive trend in candidate performance. However, results for 2,669 candidates are still being processed due to errors linked to them. WAEC assured that these issues would be resolved soon but did not specify how long the process would take.
Examination malpractice cases are under review.
In a significant development, WAEC withheld the results of 2,577 candidates, representing 3.96 percent of those who took the examination, over allegations of malpractice. Affected candidates have been directed to the WAEC Notice of Examination Malpractice Portal to respond to the accusations. The council stated that all reported cases would be investigated, including any supporting evidence, before a final decision is made. The findings will be reviewed by the appropriate committee, and affected candidates will be informed of the outcome. While WAEC continues to take a firm stance against malpractice, concerns remain about ensuring fairness in the review process.
Moreover, WAEC’s decision to introduce a computer-based mode, as a step towards modernising examinations, raises questions about the digital readiness of candidates and examination centres. The shift aligns with global trends, but its effectiveness will depend on infrastructure, accessibility, and fairness, particularly for those unfamiliar with computer-based testing. Many students, especially those from underserved communities, may struggle with the transition due to limited exposure to digital tools. WAEC may need to conduct further assessments to determine how this change affects performance and whether additional support, such as Digital Literacy training, is required to prevent disparities in Exam outcomes.
Economic constraints hinder WAEC registration for many students.
Furthermore, the 20 percent decline in candidate registration also warrants attention, as it could indicate deeper issues within the Education system. Economic constraints may have made it difficult for some students to afford examination fees, while others may be shifting towards alternative certification options. Also, concerns about the credibility of WAEC certificates in an increasingly competitive job market may be influencing candidates’ decisions. To address this, policymakers and educational institutions should explore interventions such as fee subsidies, career guidance, and Curriculum improvements to reinforce the value of WAEC examinations and sustain participation levels.
Although economic barriers may have limited performance, the significant increase in the pass rate suggests a positive shift, but questions remain about whether this improvement reflects genuine academic progress or a shift in grading standards. While WAEC has expressed confidence in the results, independent reviews could provide further insights into the effectiveness of recent educational reforms. Examination malpractice remains a concern, with thousands of results withheld each year. If these trends persist, stricter measures may be required to protect the integrity of the examination process. This could include enhanced surveillance, tougher penalties for offenders, and increased public awareness on the consequences of cheating.
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Ultimately, WAEC’s latest report highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s secondary education system. The introduction of a hybrid examination model, the rise in success rates, and concerns over malpractice indicate a system in transition. While technological advancements and improved pass rates suggest positive developments, issues such as digital access, declining participation, and exam integrity must be addressed to ensure WAEC examinations remain relevant, credible, and accessible to all candidates in the coming years.