The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is facing a storm of public criticism after its result-checking portal, waecdirect.org, went offline on Wednesday evening—just days after it announced one of the worst performances in a decade for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Portal Shutdown Sparks Backlash
In a notice posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @waecnigeria, the examination body cited “technical issues” as the reason for the temporary shutdown.
“WAEC hereby informs the general public that the result checker portal is temporarily shut down due to technical issues. However, the Council is working assiduously to ensure that candidates are able to access their results in the next 24 hours. We apologise for any inconvenience this might have caused you,” the announcement read.
But for many Nigerians—especially the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the 2025 WASSCE—the apology didn’t cut it.
Instead, it unleashed a new wave of anger, suspicion, and accusations that WAEC may be covering up deeper problems, especially following its Monday release showing that only 38.32% of candidates passed five core subjects including English Language and Mathematics—a record low not seen in the last 10 years.
“We Wrote English in the Dark!”
On social media, students and parents alike are demanding answers. At the heart of the backlash is the English Language exam, which many claim was riddled with logistical problems. According to multiple reports, the paper—originally scheduled for daytime—was delayed for hours and conducted at night in several centres on May 28.
Some candidates said they were given as little as 30 minutes to complete an exam meant to last two and a half hours—and without electricity.
“We wrote exams at 8pm. We were given one hour or 30 minutes to answer questions that should last two and a half hours. There was no light, and everyone was in a hurry to leave. Please rethink,” tweeted @_samad1.
“It is concerning that the English exam, which was delayed at centres nationwide, is now resulting in widespread failures. If JAMB could make amends, we hope WAEC will take steps to rectify the situation. It was a national disgrace,” wrote @sikimark.
Accusations of Manipulation, Revenue Motive
As more students check their results—when the portal allows—many are stunned to see solid performances across subjects only to receive fail grades in English.
A user, @Johnway11145073, wrote: “My daughter got five A1 and two B2, only to get D7 in English and Physics (withheld).”
Another parent broke down emotionally on social media, pleading with WAEC:
“WAEC, please I am begging, help us check the English Language exam again. I can’t accept this result. I struggled so hard to get money and pay for this exam, and now you failed me. This result is affecting my future,” @DEYHOT_official posted.
Others are not holding back, alleging intentional manipulation or profiteering.
“Just like JAMB, WAEC is gambling with the future of Nigerians. If the majority of the D’s, E’s and F8’s awarded in English are rechecked, WAEC will pay dearly,” @JayTrezy warned.
“When the portal is reopened, you will see magic,” tweeted @ebitimi_da15726—implying that the grades could mysteriously change.
Call for External Review, Protest Threats
Some teachers and education advocates are calling for an external audit of the English Language exam scripts and the entire marking process.
“The students who were robbed and given abysmal grades in English should tag the presidency, Minister of Education to have an external body revise the whole exam process,” wrote @e_okwori.
“Students wrote English paper in the mid night and yet WAEC failed them,” added @MarquizDejavex, simply signing off as “The Teacher.”
Already, online chatter hints at possible protests if WAEC does not address the situation urgently.
“We reject this year’s results, particularly the English and Maths. WAEC, please do the needful to avoid mass protests,” posted @pastorbtdaniels.
WAEC Silent Amid Mounting Pressure
As at the time of this report, WAEC has not issued any official clarification regarding the grading of the English Language paper, nor has it responded to the calls for a comprehensive review.
With public trust eroding and students’ futures hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on the examination body.
If the situation remains unresolved within the next few days, the outcry may escalate further—potentially triggering investigations, national debates, and student-led protests. For now, thousands of students and families wait, anxious for clarity and hoping their academic dreams haven’t been dashed by what many are calling a preventable failure.
Stay tuned for further updates.
