WAEC's grading error: A Derogatory Decline in Nigeria's Education System

 

 

A technical error in WAEC's new paper-serialization system has affected the country's educational credibility. This is not simply an administrative issue; rather, it invites scrutiny of operational processes. Now is an appropriate time to focus on capacity and improvement, rather than solely on justification.

On August 9, 2025, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) admitted that a grading question affected 2025 WASSCE. An error ordered code file affected the English object paper and oblique results. WAEC has achieved updated results since then. Of the 1,969 313 candidates, 62.96% earned five credits including mathematics and English. This is a significant reduction of 72.12% to 9.16% of 2024.

This error did not occur with separation. In an example of insufficient risk management, WAEC introduced a new ordering technique without a full test. As a result, many students, parents, teachers and colleges received crazy results. This emphasizes institutional challenges in maintaining the weaknesses of the system and educational integrity.

WAEC's technical errors represent a shock that can affect public trust in the education system. It is important to ensure that exams can handle basic processes that shape the future of our children.

What can be done to avoid future errors:

1. Independent Audit: To avoid future errors, WAEC should hire an outside auditor to examine its systems and procedures;
2. Backup Safeguards: Temporarily switch back to tried-and-true manual verification procedures until digital tools are thoroughly examined;
3. Transparent Accountability: The leadership should take responsibility in public and lay out corrective actions;
4. Policy Oversight: The Ministry of Education should set more stringent certification and oversight requirements for exam administration technology.

Our children deserve efficient systems, and oversight is essential to prevent similar errors in the future. It is important that accountability becomes a consistent standard in our schools.

Stakeholders, educators, and parents seek accountability and transparency. Consider writing to WAEC and the Ministry of Education, and encourage your school's management to support independent audits. The education of our young people warrants careful attention.