The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has confirmed that the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will run from June 11 to June 18. This year, over 603,000 candidates, including 297,250 males and 306,078 females from 20,395 schools, will sit the exam.
The number of school candidates has increased by nearly 6% compared to 2024. Additionally, 1,661 private candidates, 858 males and 803 females, will also participate, marking a 19.5% rise from last year’s private candidate numbers.
Exams for school candidates will take place at 2,237 centres nationwide, while 15 centres, mostly in regional capitals, will accommodate private candidates. Notably, this will be the final year private candidates are examined on the old syllabus.
WAEC assured that candidates with special educational needs will receive adequate support to ensure no child is left behind.
The Council reminded all stakeholders to follow the updated exam rules introduced in 2023. These include prohibitions against having inscriptions on the body or clothing, sharing live exam questions online, and multiple candidate registrations.
WAEC called on everyone to maintain order at exam centres and warned candidates that any rule violations would have serious consequences.
“We wish all candidates success but urge strict adherence to examination regulations,” the Council stated.
