Examination

The 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) commenced nationwide on Monday amid heightened security and strict monitoring, as authorities move to curb persistent examination malpractice and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s education system.

Over 1.6 million candidates across the country began the annual examination, which is being conducted in over 21,000 accredited centers under the watch of supervisors, security operatives, and WAEC officials. This year’s exams come on the heels of controversy surrounding the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which saw nearly 380,000 candidates ordered to retake the test due to technical and administrative irregularities.

In response, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says it is deploying stricter controls to ensure integrity and transparency.“We have learned from past challenges. This year, we are implementing upgraded biometric verification, digital attendance tracking, and real-time reporting systems at every center,” said Mr. Patrick Areghan, WAEC’s Head of National Office, during a press briefing in Lagos.

Tightened Measures Against Malpractice

Security was visibly reinforced at examination venues in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, where uniformed officers were stationed to discourage impersonation, leakage of question papers, and other common forms of cheating.

Candidates were also thoroughly screened with biometric scanners before being allowed into examination halls. Some schools enforced electronic device bans, including mobile phones, smartwatches, and Bluetooth earpieces, which have been implicated in past cheating scandals.

“We are doing everything within our power to ensure this year’s exams are credible. Offending schools, supervisors, or students will face severe penalties,” Mr. Areghan warned.

Mixed Reactions from Students and Parents

While many students expressed relief at finally beginning the exams after months of preparation, others voiced concern over the intensity of the security checks and pressure to perform in an increasingly scrutinized academic environment.

“It’s a bit stressful, but I understand why they’re doing it. We all want a fair exam,” said Fatima Usman, a final-year student at a government school in Kano.

Parents, on the other hand, applauded the new measures but called for sustained reforms beyond the examination period.

“These efforts are commendable, but what we need is consistent investment in our education system. Malpractice is a symptom of deeper issues—poor teaching, lack of facilities, and exam anxiety,” said Mrs. Ifeoma Okonkwo, a parent of one of the candidates in Enugu.

Stakeholder Engagement and Long-Term Outlook

Education stakeholders say the credibility of WAEC remains critical in restoring faith in public examinations after recent national embarrassment caused by UTME irregularities.

“If WAEC gets it right, it helps rebuild trust not just in the exam system, but in the value of meritocracy itself,” noted Dr. Tunde Alade, a policy analyst with the Centre for Education Accountability.

WAEC officials have also revealed plans to work closely with state governments and civil society groups to monitor the entire examination process and gather post-exam feedback to improve future conduct.

The 2025 WASSCE will run until June, with results expected to be released by August.

As the exams unfold, attention remains fixed on WAEC’s ability to enforce discipline, ensure fairness, and protect the aspirations of millions of Nigerian students looking to secure their academic futures.