System failure blamed as WASSCE results drop to 38.32%, stakeholders demand urgent reforms

The sharp decline in performance in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has sparked nationwide concern, with parents, teachers, students, and education stakeholders blaming the poor outcomes on systemic failure.

According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), only 38.32% of the 1,969,313 candidates who sat for the examination obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics — a sharp drop from 72.12% recorded in 2024. That’s a staggering 33.8% decrease.

Parents cite poor exam conditions

Oluchi Kalu, a parent from Imo State, lamented the tough conditions under which students wrote the exams, particularly in areas without power.

“Some students used candles and torchlights during exams due to power outages,” she said. “They returned home late at night, yet no concessions were made during marking. That’s unfair.”

NUT: The system failed the students

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) attributed the failure to multiple lapses in the education system.
Comrade Akintoye Hassan, Chairman of the Lagos State NUT, criticised WAEC for allowing students to write leaked English Language papers at odd hours.

“Students had prepared for morning exams but ended up writing at night—hungry, stressed, and without light. This is not acceptable,” he said.

He also questioned the lack of electricity in schools and cautioned against blaming teachers alone.

NANS: Exam conditions were emotionally draining

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), through its PRO Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa, said students experienced technical hitches similar to those during the UTME.

“The emotional and physical toll on students during English Language exams was horrific. It was bound to affect performance,” he said.

NAPTAN: Teacher shortage, poverty worsening learning

The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) blamed a combination of poor infrastructure, underfunded schools, and insufficient qualified teachers.

“Many states haven’t hired new teachers. Parents can’t even afford textbooks,” said Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, NAPTAN President.

He added that a reduction in examination malpractice could have contributed to the drop, exposing the true state of student preparedness.

Recommendations from stakeholders

From Parents:

• Conduct mock examinations to help students recover and better prepare for future assessments.

From NUT:

• Reinvest in past initiatives that were neglected.

• Focus on reorienting youth who no longer value education due to poor post-school opportunities.

From NANS:

• Urgently review the education system holistically.

• Motivate and train more teachers.

• Provide adequate learning facilities across schools.

From NAPTAN:

• Improve teacher welfare and recruitment.

• Equip schools with functional infrastructure.

• Urge parents to actively participate in their children’s education.

This year’s WASSCE results have amplified concerns about Nigeria’s worsening education standards and renewed calls for the government to prioritise education reform and investment before further damage is done.