KEY POINTS

• WAEC result glitches spark nationwide outrage and protests.
• Student groups demand leadership change at WAEC.
• Existing infrastructure gaps are raising questions about the transition plan to Computer-Based Testing (CBT).

The West African Examinations Council has been forced into damage-control mode after shutting its results portal for the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, citing “technical glitches” that critics say should have been caught before release.

Moyosola Adesina, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, said in a statement on Thursday that post-release quality checks revealed backend errors affecting key subjects. However, this led the council to halt access and instruct candidates to re-check their grades within 48 hours.

WAEC result glitches spark nationwide outrage

The admission came just days after WAEC reported that only 38.32 percent of nearly two million candidates earned five credits, including English and mathematics—the worst performance in a decade. The figure had already stirred alarm among teachers, parents, and student groups over declining academic standards.

Angry reactions poured in from the Nigeria Union of Teachers, the National Association of Parent-Teacher Associations, and the National Association of Nigerian Students. Many described the glitches as proof of weak systems and poor oversight.

Calls for accountability and leadership change

NANS accused WAEC of incompetence and demanded leadership changes, arguing that flawed results caused unnecessary distress and misled candidates. “This is not just about a tech error—it’s failed leadership,” said NANS official Adejuwon Olatunji.

On social media, Nigerians questioned why the council rushed the release without completing internal reviews. Some warned that parents might sue if corrections were mishandled.

WAEC result glitches fuel debate over CBT

Beyond the immediate error, the crisis has reignited concerns over WAEC’s plan to move external exams to full computer-based testing. Moreover, Parent-Teacher Association president Haruna Danjuma called the 2026 timeline unrealistic. He cited poor infrastructure and low computer literacy among rural students as major challenges.

The Federal Ministry of Education verified the resolution of the glitch and affirmed WAEC’s commitment to transparency. It also reiterated plans for phased CBT adoption starting November 2026 to curb malpractice and restore trust in Nigeria’s exam system.