WAEC Disowns Viral School List Linked to Withheld 2025 WASSCE Results
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has publicly disowned a viral letter listing 151 secondary schools allegedly involved in examination malpractice during the 2025 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The controversial letter, dated August 4, 2025, claimed to be from WAEC’s Director of Examination Malpractice and Irregularities, Dr. Florence Ajayi. It instructed principals of the named schools to report to WAEC’s Lagos Zonal Office with candidates’ scripts and supporting documents before August 16, 2025.
However, WAEC has clarified that the list is fake and did not come from any of its official channels.
WAEC Warns Public to Beware of Fake Information
Responding via its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @waecnigeria, the Council said:
“Kindly ignore any message listing schools whose results were supposedly cancelled. WAEC will never ask any centre to bring scripts of candidates to the office. Where would they get them from? Do not accept any message that is not on our handles and accredited media.”
This comes after WAEC announced that the results of 192,089 candidates—representing 9.75% of total candidates—were withheld due to suspected exam malpractice. The Head of WAEC National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, said investigations are ongoing to determine the involvement of affected candidates.
“Do not accept any message that is not on our handles and accredited media. WAEC will never ask any Centre to bring scripts of candidates to the office. Where would they get them from?” — WAEC Nigeria via @waecnigeria
2025 WASSCE Results Show Decline in Performance
Of the 1,969,313 candidates who sat for the examination, only 38.32% obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics. This marks a significant drop from the 72.12% pass rate recorded in 2024.
Dr. Dangut attributed the decline to stricter anti-malpractice measures introduced this year to curb cheating and ensure the integrity of the exams.
WAEC’s swift denial of the fake list highlights the need for Nigerians to verify information from credible sources. Students, parents, and schools are advised to stay updated via WAEC’s official platforms and avoid panic over unofficial statements.
