WAEC Releases 2024 WASSCE Private Candidates’ Results, Withholds 2,577

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2024 Second Series of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates.

The examination body, however, stated that 2,577 candidates (3.96 per cent) had their results withheld in connection with various allegations of examination malpractice.

The statement signed by the WAEC’s Acting Head of its Public Affairs Department, Moyosore Adesina, disclosed that 68,342 candidates registered for the examination, representing a 20 per cent decrease compared to 2023.

It added that of this number, 65,023 candidates sat the examination across 5,067 centres nationwide.

It noted that among this number, 157 candidates had special needs, including 25 visually challenged candidates, 13 with impaired hearing, and 15 with albinism.

WAEC in the statement also disclosed that 34,878 candidates, representing 53.64 per cent, obtained credit passes in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, while a total of 43,923 candidates (67.55 per cent) obtained credit and above in at least five subjects, regardless of English and Mathematics.

It noted that the gender distribution of successful candidates showed that 17,992 female candidates (51.58 per cent) met the minimum benchmark of five credits, including English and Mathematics, compared to 16,886 male candidates (48.41 per cent).

“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.

WAEC reported that 95.90 per cent of the candidates had their results fully processed and released, while 2,669 (4.10 per cent) had some subjects still being processed due to errors traceable to them.

“However, efforts are being made to speedily complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released, subsequently,” it noted.

The examination body advised those whose results were withheld to visit its online complaints portal for further action.

“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.

WAEC Releases 2024 WASSCE Private Candidates’ Results, Withholds 2,577 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper