The 2025 WASSCE results have raised concerns about student preparedness, learning culture and examination integrity.
With nearly three decades of experience teaching mathematics and having served as a WAEC Supervisor, I observed firsthand how structural changes and stricter monitoring exposed deep weaknesses in candidate readiness.
Key statistics for 2025: Core Mathematics: 48.73 per cent (A1–C6), down from 66.86 per cent in 2024. Social Studies: 55.82 per cent passed, down from 71.53 per cent in 2024. Integrated Science: 57.74 per cent passed, below 2023’s 66.82 per cent. English Language: 69 per cent passed.
Mathematics and Social Studies showed the sharpest declines, reflecting serious gaps in understanding and exam discipline.
Why performance declined
• Question paper variation
WAEC introduced variations in question papers to disrupt common malpractice patterns. Students who relied on copying from colleagues or external sources were suddenly unable to do so, resulting in mismatched answers and poor performance.
• Enhanced supervision
Collaboration with National Security, NIB and external monitors tightened exam supervision. As a former WAEC Supervisor, I can confirm that stricter monitoring exposed students who were unprepared to sit for exams independently.
• Over-reliance on predicted questions (APO)
Many candidates depended heavily on leaked or predicted questions. When these did not appear in the exam, confidence collapsed, leading to low scores.
• Real-life, reasoning-based questions vs easier Nov/Dec paper
The 2025 WASSCE school Mathematics exams required practical reasoning, real-life application, and logical problem-solving. Candidates could not rely solely on memorisation.
In contrast, the Nov/Dec Mathematics paper followed WAEC’s usual, predictable trend and was noticeably easier.
This illustrates that the challenge lies not in the exam itself, but in candidates’ ability to think critically and apply their knowledge.
Shift in learning attitudes
Students of the 1990s and early 2000s: Disciplined, highly motivated, and curious; consulted teachers regularly; solved exercises consistently; valued understanding over shortcuts.
Today’s Gen Z students: Heavily focused on mobile phones and social media; show little interest in quality tuition; depend on leaked materials or shortcuts; sometimes, engage in organised malpractice, including paying for assistance.
The decline is not about resources — today’s students have more materials than ever — but about discipline, attitude and genuine learning.
Observations from examination centres
Having supervised WAEC exams, I have seen: Students entering exams unprepared; candidates refusing to attempt questions independently; organised cheating arrangements; heavy reliance on predicted questions.
Such behaviours compromise the integrity of our certificates and the credibility of the WASSCE.
Call to action
Restore discipline and integrity in schools – Values must come before grades.
Prioritise reasoning over memorisation – Teachers should emphasise the application of concepts.
Enforce digital discipline – Limit mobile phone distractions during study.
Maintain strict supervision – WAEC must sustain strict monitoring standards.
Parents must support accountability – Stop encouraging shortcuts to results.
The 2025 WASSCE results are a wake-up call for students, teachers, parents and the education system.
Ghana must cultivate a culture of discipline, critical thinking and genuine learning. Success should be achieved through hard work, not shortcuts.
The writer is a Lecturer, UPSA/Mathematics educator/educational & business consultant/former WAEC supervisor.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh