Only 38% of students passed core subjects as educators blame midnight exams, social media, and poor language skills

 

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is facing widespread criticism following the release of the May/June 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.

 

A breakdown of the results revealed that just 38% of candidates secured five credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics — the two key subjects required for university admission. This marks a dramatic decline from the 72.12% pass rate recorded in 2024, making it one of the worst performances in recent memory.

 

Reactions have poured in from all corners — students, parents, educators, and public figures alike — expressing concern over what many are calling a national academic crisis.

 

On X (formerly Twitter), education analyst Dr. Richard Ayo-Dairo (@RArakunrin) pointed to the controversial midnight English Language exam as a possible factor behind the mass failure. “Someone should be held responsible for this laxity against the future of our nation,” he wrote.

 

Another user, Femi Organ (@FemiOrgan), blamed poor communication skills and digital habits. “Most students can’t even type or define what they say. Short words have ruined their grammar. Empty barrels.”

 

Amid the uproar, one bright spot was a sharp decline in exam malpractice — dropping from 11.92% to 2.17% — which many attribute to WAEC’s gradual adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in key subjects like English, Mathematics, Biology, and Economics.

 

Despite this, critics say deeper reforms are needed to rescue the educational system from further decline.