How To Pass WAEC 2025/2026 Examination

Do you want to pass the WAEC 2025/2026 examination? This article covers everything you need to prepare effectively. Alarmingly, 75% of students failed the WAEC exam in 2024, as reported by The Guardian, and 83% failed in previous years, according to Punch.

Such statistics can be daunting for students and parents alike. I conducted thorough research to identify the top-performing countries in WAEC and the common reasons for failure, which I listed below.

• Bad reading habit
• distraction from social media
• Bad education system

To pass the WAEC exam, it’s crucial to overcome common challenges like bad reading habits, social media distractions, and a flawed education system. While we won’t delve deeply into these issues, understanding them is key to success.

This article offers tips to help students excel in WAEC. Before sharing these tips, it’s important to understand what the WAEC exam entails, especially for first-time candidates. Knowing your “enemy” is the first step to victory.

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West African Examination Council (WAEC)

WAEC stands for the “West African Examination Council,” an examination body established in 1952. It conducts the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for university entry in five West African countries: Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

WAEC was established after a 1948 meeting between the University of London, University of Cambridge, and West African education departments. They sent Dr. George Barker Jeffery to West Africa to assess the education system. Based on his report, they decided to establish WAEC, which became an internationally recognized examination body in Africa in 1952.

West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)

WAEC candidates typically choose 8 or 9 subjects from those studied in secondary school, with 9 subjects being advisable to increase the chances of success. To gain admission into tertiary institutions, candidates need at least 5 Credits, including compulsory Credits in English Language and Mathematics, along with three other relevant subjects.

WAEC examination questions consist of two parts:

• Theory Part: Requires detailed answers without provided options.
• Objective Part: Offers multiple-choice questions where candidates select the correct option.

How To Pass the WAEC 2025/2026 Examination

Determination

Success requires determination, and it’s crucial to believe in yourself and commit to passing the WAEC exam in one sitting. While many find it challenging, your mindset and hard work play a significant role in your success. Don’t be discouraged by others, if you stay determined, work hard, and remain steadfast, you can achieve your goal just like those who have succeeded before you.

Self Believe

Believing in yourself goes beyond positive affirmations; it involves setting realistic goals and taking actionable steps to achieve them. Start by establishing long-term goals like passing the exam, assessing what you need in terms of finances, materials, and study time, and ensuring you’re in the right mental state.

For short-term goals, break down your plan: determine daily study hours, decide how to acquire necessary materials, and create a balanced schedule that includes rest. By aligning your short-term actions with your long-term objectives, you’ll be better equipped to envision and achieve success.

Early Preparations

There have been debates on the ideal time for WAEC candidates to start preparing for the exam. Some suggest starting 6 months before, others recommend 3 months, and some believe preparation should begin from the first day in secondary school.

All these perspectives have merit. However, the best time to start preparing is now. Even if you’re just starting a few weeks before the exam, you can still achieve excellent results by beginning your studies immediately. It’s never too late—start covering as many topics as possible and remain dedicated. With determination and effort, success is still within reach.

Better Read: How To Pass WAEC 2025/2026 In One Sitting

Read WAEC-Recommended Textbooks

To succeed in the 2025/2026 WAEC examination, acquiring the recommended WAEC materials, including textbooks, notebooks, and past questions is crucial. These resources are essential for mastering all subjects.

Past questions are especially important, as they help you understand the structure of WAEC exams and often include repeated questions. However, relying solely on past questions isn’t enough; your textbooks, notebooks, and key points are equally important for achieving good grades

Be aware of common mistakes students make during the WAEC examination and take steps to avoid them.

Candidates often fail the WAEC examination due to simple mistakes. WAEC not only tests your knowledge but also your ability to follow instructions. Even well-written answers can lose marks due to small errors. Common mistakes include:

• Not writing names in capital letters.
• Entering the wrong center or seat number.
• Writing across margin lines.
• Answering questions with responses meant for others.

To avoid these mistakes, structure your answers before writing them down. This not only helps prevent errors but also makes your work more presentable, potentially earning you extra marks.

Attend WAEC Tutorials

Attending WAEC tutorials can significantly boost your chances of success for several reasons. These tutorials are often led by experienced educators familiar with the WAEC curriculum and exam format. They offer valuable tips, strategies, and targeted lessons on key topics, ensuring comprehensive preparation.

Tutorials also provide personalized attention, allowing you to address specific questions and challenges. The interactive nature of tutorials promotes engagement, discussion, and collaborative learning with peers, which can enhance your understanding of complex concepts. Consistent participation in these sessions helps maintain focus and discipline, keeping you on track with your study plan.

Frequently Asked Questions