WAEC 2025: 7 Major Changes Every Nigerian Student Must Prepare For
Latest updates from WAEC, JAMB, and Federal Ministry of Education
Attention all Nigerian students, parents, and teachers! The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced major changes for 2025 exams that will affect how secondary school students prepare for and write their certificates. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the new WAEC format, digital innovations, and policy changes that could impact your results.
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1. WAEC Goes Digital in 2025 (Computer-Based Testing)
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially announced the introduction of partial computer-based testing (CBT) for the 2025 examinations. This change comes after successful pilot programs in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
What's Changing?
- Objective questions will be answered on tablets/computers
- Essay questions remain paper-based for now
- Digital mock exams available from November 2024
Preparation Tips
- Practice with JAMB CBT software (similar format)
- Improve typing speed for theory questions
- Attend school computer lab sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will all schools have computers for WAEC?
A: Phase 1 will cover urban schools with existing computer labs. Rural schools will follow in phase 2 (2026).
Q: Can I bring my own device?
A: No, WAEC will provide approved devices at exam centers.
2. STEM Subjects Get Priority Nationwide
The Federal Ministry of Education has partnered with tech companies like Andela and Flutterwave to boost STEM education across Nigerian secondary schools. This initiative includes:
For Female Students
- Girls Who Code Nigeria scholarships
- Free STEM summer camps in 12 states
- WAEC bonus marks for girls in physics/chemistry
For Schools
- Robotics kits for 5,000 public schools
- Teacher training programs in AI basics
- STEM competitions with ₦5M prizes
Important STEM Dates for 2025
- March 15: National STEM Fair registration opens
- July 30: Deadline for Girls in Tech applications
3. New Education Policy Targets Rural Students
The "Education for All 2025" initiative addresses the urban-rural education divide with these key provisions:
- Solar-powered learning centers in 300 communities without electricity
- WAEC past questions available in Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba
- Mobile teachers program for remote areas
Available Grants
Schools and NGOs can apply for:
- ₦500,000 - ₦2M for community learning centers
- Free textbooks for qualifying schools
Application deadline: February 28, 2025
4. WAEC and JAMB Now Share Student Data
How It Works
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1Register for either WAEC or JAMB first
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2Your biodata automatically syncs to the other exam
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3Only need to upload documents once
Benefits for Students
- Saves 2-3 hours of registration time
- Reduces errors in personal details
- More secure than manual entry
Ready for WAEC 2025?
These changes represent Nigeria's biggest education reforms in a decade. Stay ahead by preparing early and taking advantage of new opportunities.
WAEC 2025 Frequently Asked Questions
When will WAEC 2025 registration start?
Registration begins January 15, 2025 for school candidates and February 3, 2025 for private candidates.
Will computer-based WAEC be harder?
No, the difficulty level remains the same. Only the answering format changes from paper to digital for objective questions.
Abubakar Idris
This is an excellent one. Keep up.