The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is facing renewed public outrage following the abrupt shutdown of its result checker portal on Wednesday evening. The council attributed the shutdown to “technical issues”, but the explanation has done little to douse the flames of criticism already surrounding the 2025 WASSCE results, especially concerning the mass failure in English Language.
In a statement posted on WAEC’s official X handle (@waecnigeria), the council said:
“WAEC hereby informs the general public that the result checker portal @waecdirect.org is temporarily shut down due to technical issues. However, the Council is working assiduously to ensure that candidates are able to access their results in the next 24 hours. We apologise for any inconvenience this might have caused you.”
But the statement only intensified public suspicion, with many accusing the body of systemic failure, deliberate manipulation, or revenue generation tactics through poor grading.
The 9am News report gathered that tensions have been rising since the announcement on Monday that only 38.32% of the 1,969,313 candidates who sat the 2025 WASSCE obtained credits and above in five subjects, including English and Mathematics marking the worst performance in a decade.
Across social media, students and parents alike expressed disbelief. A growing number of screenshots revealed candidates who performed excellently in other subjects but reportedly failed English Language.
“Just like JAMB, WAEC is gambling with the future of Nigerians. If the majority of the D’s, E’s and F8’s awarded in English are rechecked, WAEC will pay dearly,” wrote @JayTrezy.
Parents also weighed in, questioning how brilliant students failed English after excelling in science and commercial subjects. A parent, tweeting via @Johnway11145073, wrote:
“My daughter got five A1 and two B2, only to get D7 in English and Physics (withheld). This is heartbreaking.”
Numerous candidates have urged WAEC to re-evaluate the English Language scripts, citing challenges faced during the exam. Notably, the English paper held late at night on May 28, with reports of power outages and shortened exam time.
“We wrote the exam at 8 pm. We had 30 minutes for a 2.5-hour paper. There was no light, and everyone wanted to leave. Please rethink,” tweeted @_samad1.
Another candidate, @ebitimi_da15726, hinted that grades might mysteriously improve once the portal is reopened:
“When the portal is reopened, you will see magic.”
Other users pleaded for transparency, urging the education ministry and the presidency to intervene.
“The students who were robbed and given abysmal grades in English should tag the presidency and Minister of Education to initiate an independent review,” tweeted @e_okwori.
The calls for action have grown louder, with some demanding a total recall of the 2025 results and independent audit of WAEC’s marking process.
“We reject this year’s results, particularly the English and Maths. WAEC, please do the needful to avoid mass protests,” warned @pastorbtdaniels.
As of this report, WAEC has not issued further clarification on the English Language grading or addressed demands for a script recheck.
With growing distrust over Nigeria’s examination bodies, many fear the ripple effect this will have on university admissions and the mental health of affected students.
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