The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2024 Second Series of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates.
This announcement came on Sunday through a statement signed by Moyosola Adesina, the Acting Head of WAEC’s Public Affairs Department.
A total of 68,342 candidates registered for the examination—a noticeable 20% decline from the previous year. However, 65,023 candidates ultimately sat for the exams across 5,067 centres nationwide.
Among them were 157 individuals with special needs, a diverse group that included 25 visually impaired candidates, 13 with hearing difficulties, and 15 persons with albinism.
Performance breakdown
WAEC reported that 34,878 candidates, accounting for 53.64%, achieved credit passes in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. Additionally, 43,923 candidates (67.55%) obtained credit or higher in at least five subjects, regardless of English and Mathematics.
The examination body also highlighted the gender distribution of successful candidates. Among those who met the minimum requirement of five credits, including English and Mathematics, 17,992 were female (51.58%), while 16,886 were male (48.41%).
“This analysis, however, cannot be compared with that of WASSCE for School Candidates. Whereas the candidates in the WASSCE for School Candidates Examination are compelled to sit eight or nine subjects, the candidates in the WASSCE for Private Candidates Examination, though they can register for eight or nine subjects, are not compelled to take all. They are free to sit, even one subject, depending on the deficiency they want to remedy,” it added.
Withheld results
WAEC revealed that 95.90% of candidates had their results fully processed and released. However, 2,669 candidates (4.10%) still have certain subjects pending due to errors “traceable to them.”
The examination body assured that efforts are underway to finalise the processing as quickly as possible so that all affected candidates can receive their complete results.
Additionally, WAEC disclosed that results for 2,577 candidates (3.96%) have been withheld due to “various allegations of examination malpractice.”
Candidates impacted by these issues have been advised to visit WAEC’s online complaints portal for further assistance.
“All reported cases will be investigated, including exhibits obtained, alongside candidates’ representations lodged on the portal. These will be evaluated, and reports will be presented to the appropriate Committee of the Council for determination.
“The Committee’s decision(s) will be communicated directly to the affected candidates,” it added.
Hybrid examination format
The examination took place from Friday, October 25, 2024, to Friday, December 20, 2024.
For the first time, WAEC administered the exam using two different formats: the conventional paper-and-pen method and a newly introduced computer-based hybrid mode.
Candidates had the option to choose their preferred format during registration.
