About 603,328 candidates are poised to sit for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for Schools and Private Candidates, which is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and conclude on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
This year’s number of candidates represents a 6% increase from the 2024 total of 569,236.
Gender and school participation breakdown
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) announced the figures today, revealing that approximately 297,250 males and 306,078 females from 20,395 participating schools have registered for the school examination.
Private candidates record significant growth
In addition, 1,661 private candidates have registered to sit the exam—comprised of 858 males and 803 females.
This marks a 19.5% increase from the 1,390 private candidates who took the exam in 2024.
Examination centres across the country
The BECE for School Candidates will be conducted at 2,237 examination centres nationwide.
Meanwhile, the private candidates will write their exams at fifteen designated centres, primarily located in regional capitals.
Curriculum and transition to new syllabus
WAEC also confirmed that, similar to the 2024 examination, school candidates and some private candidates will be assessed based on the core curriculum.
However, the Council noted that this will be the last time the old syllabus will be used to examine prospective private candidates, signalling a transition to a new curriculum in future editions.
Support for candidates with special educational needs
As part of efforts to ensure inclusivity, WAEC reiterated its commitment to making reasonable adjustments for candidates with special educational needs.
“Heads of school, parents, and guardians should rest assured that adequate provision has been made to ensure that no child is left behind as far as the examination is concerned,” a statement from the Council assured.
Revised rules and regulations still in effect
WAEC also used the occasion to remind all stakeholders of the revised Rules and Regulations for Dealing with Cases of Irregularity, which have been in effect since 2023.
These revisions introduce several new rules, including:
- Prohibition of inscriptions on any part of the body or clothing.
- Banning of live posting of questions online.
- Prohibition of refusal to grant timely access to school premises.
- Sanctions for misconduct by examination officials.
- Crackdown on multiple registrations of candidates in both public and private schools.
The Council emphasised that the revised rules are available on its website and urged Heads of school, supervisors, and invigilators to ensure strict adherence by all candidates.
Call for discipline and compliance
WAEC concluded by calling on all stakeholders to maintain order and discipline at all examination centres.
While extending best wishes to all candidates, the Council issued a stern warning, stating: “Any attempt to breach any of these [rules] will have dire consequences on the candidates.”
