WAEC releases 2024 WASSCE results for private candidates, 67.55% obtain five credits and above

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results for the 2024 Second Series of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates. This announcement, made on February 16, 2025, by Moyosola Adesina, the Acting Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, highlights a significant improvement in candidates' performance compared to previous years.

Examination Overview

The 2024 Second Series WASSCE for private candidates was conducted between October 25 and December 20, 2024. A total of 68,342 candidates registered for the examination, marking a 20% decline compared to the previous year. Of these, 65,023 candidates actually sat for the exams across 5,067 centers nationwide. The examination was offered in two modes: the traditional paper-and-pen format and a computer-based hybrid model, allowing candidates to choose their preferred method during registration. 

Performance Statistics

The results indicate a commendable performance by the candidates:

Overall Success Rate: Out of the 65,023 candidates who sat for the examination, 43,923 candidates, representing 67.55%, obtained credit and above in at least five subjects. 

Core Subject Achievement: Notably, 34,878 candidates, accounting for 53.64%, achieved credits in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. This marks a 9.35% increase from the 44.29% pass rate recorded in 2023. 

Demographic Insights

The gender distribution of candidates was relatively balanced:

Female Candidates: 33,519, constituting 51.55% of the total candidates.

Male Candidates: 31,504, making up 48.45% of the candidates.

This reflects a slight female majority among the examinees. 

Special Needs Candidates

WAEC maintained its commitment to inclusivity by accommodating candidates with special needs:

Total Special Needs Candidates: 157

Visually Challenged: 25

Hearing Impairments: 13

Albinos: 15

All special needs candidates received the necessary support to ensure they could effectively participate in the examination. 

Examination Malpractice and Result Withholding

Despite the overall success, WAEC reported instances of examination malpractice:

Results Withheld: 2,577 candidates had their results withheld due to alleged involvement in examination malpractice. These cases are currently under investigation, and the outcomes will determine whether the withheld results will be released or canceled. 

Comparison with Previous Years

The 2024 results demonstrate a positive trend in candidates' performance:

2022: 42.16% of candidates obtained credits in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

2023: 44.29% achieved this benchmark.

2024: The pass rate increased to 53.64%, indicating a 9.35% improvement from the previous year. 

This upward trajectory suggests that initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes are yielding positive results.

Accessing the Results

Candidates can access their results through the following methods:

1. Online Portal: Visit the WAEC result-checking portal at www.waecdirect.org. Candidates will need their Examination Number, PIN, and Examination Year to access their results.

2. SMS Service: Send an SMS in the format: WAEC ExamNumber PIN ExamYear to 32327. For example, "WAEC 123456789012 123456789012 2024". This service is available to MTN, Glo, and Airtel subscribers, and standard SMS charges apply. 

Implications for Tertiary Education Admissions

The timely release of these results is crucial for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session. With a significant percentage of candidates meeting the required benchmarks, universities and colleges can anticipate a pool of qualified applicants. Candidates are advised to promptly commence their admission processes, ensuring they meet the specific requirements and deadlines of their chosen institutions.

Conclusion

The release of the 2024 WASSCE results for private candidates underscores WAEC's dedication to upholding educational standards and providing equitable opportunities for all candidates. The notable improvement in pass rates reflects positively on the efforts of educators, candidates, and stakeholders in the education sector. As candidates celebrate their achievements, it is imperative to maintain the integrity of the examination process, ensuring that future assessments continue to reflect true academic merit.