The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on July 21, 2025, refuted claims of cancelling the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), confirming that results will be released on August 4, 2025.
The denial came after social media rumors, sparked by a misleading post on July 19 alleging government plans to scrap the exam due to logistical issues, caused panic among 1.5 million Nigerian candidates. WAEC’s Head of National Office, Amos Dangut, clarified in a press briefing that the exam, conducted from April 30 to June 15, proceeded smoothly, with only minor delays in three states due to flooding.
The council reported a 92% participation rate, with 98% of answer scripts successfully digitized for marking. The rumor, traced to a satirical blog, gained traction amid ongoing debates about educational reforms, including a July 20 government statement denying plans to abolish WAEC or NECO.
Parents and students welcomed the clarification, though some criticized WAEC’s slow communication, noting a 48-hour delay in addressing the falsehood. The August 4 release date aligns with historical patterns, but experts caution that result integrity concerns, with past leak scandals affecting 5% of centers, could resurface if not monitored.