The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the worst performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in over a decade, sparking widespread concern among education stakeholders. Only 38.32 percent of the 1,969,313 candidates who sat for the 2025 examination obtained credits and above in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Dr Amos Dangut, who described the sharp drop as significant. The last time Nigeria recorded a pass rate this low was in 2014, when just 31.28 percent of candidates achieved the same benchmark. This year’s result represents a dramatic decline from the 72.12 percent recorded in 2024 — a drop of 33.8 percentage points.

Performance rates in WASSCE have fluctuated over the past ten years, but the 2025 outcome is the most concerning. While 2015 saw a similarly low pass rate of 38.68 percent, results improved in the following years, peaking 81.70 percent in 2021. Between 2021 and 2024, the pass rate consistently remained above 70 per cent. Education analysts have described the latest figures as a major setback for a system already grappling with multiple challenges.

WAEC has attributed the decline in part to newly introduced anti-malpractice measures, including the serialization of objective papers in key subjects to curb cheating. Dr. Dangut said these reforms made collusion more difficult and contributed to the lower success rate. He also raised concerns about the growing role of rogue websites and social media platforms that distribute fake or outdated examination answers, deceiving students under the guise of providing “expo” materials.

The 2025 WASSCE also featured a hybrid Computer – Based Test model for the first time in subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Economics. Candidates were given the option of either the traditional pen-and-paper method or the new hybrid format, where questions were displayed on a screen and answers written manually. Despite the challenges, WAEC revealed that 87.24 percent of candidates obtained credits in at least five subjects — whether or not English and Mathematics were among them.

The performance slump comes just one year before WAEC’s planned full transition to Computer-Based Testing for all WASSCE papers in 2026, following a directive by the Federal Government. Dr. Dangut confirmed that the council is finalizing preparations for the shift, even as over 450,000 results are still being processed due to technical or administrative issues. Additionally, 9.75 percent of results (192, 089 candidates) are being withheld due to suspected examination malpractice — a slight drop from last year’s 11.92 per cent.

Residents of Magodo GRA Phase 2 in Shangisha, Lagos, have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently halt a controversial construction project on a critical flood-control gorge. According to the community, the area—originally designated in the estate’s master plan as a natural stormwater channel—is now under threat, sparking fears of increased flooding, erosion, and possible damage to nearby homes.

Under the banner of the Magodo GRA Phase 2 Community Development Association, residents condemned the Lagos State Government’s alleged approval of the development, warning it violates both environmental standards and the estate’s original design. We’ve raised objections for years, but our concerns have been ignored. We’re now forced to alert the public to prevent a breakdown of law and order, said community chairman Niyi Odusi in a statement.

The residents described the wetland—which stretches from under Otedola Bridge to Agiliti, Mile 12, and Ikorodu—as a natural buffer that has historically protected areas like Ikeja, Ogba, and Alausa from devastating floods. They fear that the current excavation and construction will compromise this protective barrier, leading to severe consequences, especially during the rainy season.

Tensions escalated after the developer reportedly used armed security agents to demolish an uncompleted building on the land, allegedly as a cover to begin new construction. The residents claim this act caused health hazards and damage to nearby properties, while ignoring environmental safety. They added that the community had previously tarred the road to the site and planted vegetation to stabilize the area—efforts now being undone by reckless excavation.

Armed with drone footage and an independent Environmental Impact Assessment confirming the land’s unsuitability for construction, the residents accused government officials of prioritizing profit over public safety. Amending a master plan without proper consultation and assessment is irresponsible, they stated, warning that this development risks destroying decades of environmental conservation in Magodo.

In recognition of their historic achievement at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afro Basket, the Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, received a hero’s welcome as President Bola Tinubu announced a comprehensive reward package. Each player is to receive 100,000 dollars, while coaching and technical staff members will be awarded 50,000 dollars each. Additionally, all team members will be gifted a three-bedroom house and conferred with the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

The announcement was delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a special ceremony held in their honour at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Nigeria continued their reign as queens of African women’s basketball with a 78-64 win over Mali in Ivory Coast on Sunday. The victory sealed their fifth consecutive Afro Basket title—setting a new record on the continent. With this feat, they surpassed Senegal’s historic run of four straight titles from 1974 to 1981, becoming the first team to ever secure five championships in a row.

The United States has cautioned international students about the risks of breaching student visa conditions.

In a message posted via its official X handle, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria warned that students who drop out, miss classes, or leave their academic programmes without informing their schools could have their visas revoked and may become ineligible for future U.S. visas.

The mission urged all student visa holders to strictly follow visa terms and maintain their academic status to avoid immigration consequences.