Apart from withheld results due to malpractice, registration mistakes are a recurring issue for WAEC and NECO candidates.
Every year, thousands of candidates encounter avoidable errors, which often lead to complications such as withheld results or the need for resits. These mistakes also have a ripple effect on JAMB registrations for the same year.
With the April/May WAEC examinations fast approaching, knowing what to look out for during registration is important. This guide provides a clear checklist to help you navigate smoothly.
WAEC now offers a Hail Mary for Private Candidates
WAEC recently commenced the first series examinations for Private Candidates resitting failed subjects—a reminder of why getting your registration right the first time is so important. This series is currently not open to School Candidates. You can learn more about it here.
Important dates to note for WAEC Registration 2025
- Registration Status: OPEN
- Deadline: January 26, 2025
- Registration Fee: ₦33,500 (includes e-token and commissions)
WAEC registration mistakes and how to avoid them
Below is a checklist you can follow:
Mistake 1. Misplacing your last name or middle name for the first
Consistency is key when it comes to personal information. Always use the exact name arrangement as shown on your birth certificate. If you’re outsourcing your registration, follow up diligently, ask questions, and re-verify before submission.
Double-check details like your full name, gender, state of origin and most especially your date of birth. Mistakes in these areas can disrupt your admission process and are often expensive and time-consuming to fix. Remember, WAEC no longer entertains requests to amend the date of birth on certificates in its member countries, so accuracy from the start is important.
Mistake 2. Not researching before choosing your subject combination
Avoid the mistake of selecting irrelevant subjects that aren’t relevant to your higher education aspirations. Choosing the correct subject combination for WAEC and NECO exams is one of the first things to do before registration.
If you have a specific course in mind for university, research the required subjects beforehand. For example, if you want to study a commerce-related course, ensure you sit for the following in WAEC:
- English Language (compulsory for all students)
- Mathematics (compulsory for all students)
- Economics
- Commerce
- Business Studies
Remember, WAEC subjects typically align with JAMB requirements, so make sure you score at least a credit pass in these core subjects. If your school doesn’t offer certain subjects, consider extra lessons or using WAEC’s e-study platform for self-paced learning.
Here’s how to start:
- Open your browser and visit waec.estudy.ng
- Download the app.
- Practice mock exams and track your progress.
Lastly, if you notice a missing subject in your result, act fast. Contact your school or the WAEC office with your exam details and necessary documents to rectify the issue promptly.
Mistake 3. Late NIN registration
As of 2024, WAEC registrations in Nigeria without a National Identification Number (NIN) is no longer possible. The West African Examinations Council now mandates that all candidates provide their NIN during registration to combat impersonation and malpractice.
The NIN acts as a unique identifier, ensuring accurate identity verification and recording. However, obtaining a NIN can be time-consuming, and if you delay the process, you won’t be able to complete your WAEC registration.
To avoid this issue, register for one early at any NIMC enrollment center, or through designated outlets like banks and post offices. Providing incorrect NIN details during registration can also cause errors and unnecessary headaches. Ensure your information is accurate to prevent complications.
Mistake 4. Skipping CASS tests in school
If you’re wondering if you need CASS (Waec Continuous Assessment Scores Capturing System Tests) to pass, the answer is yes. Your school handles most of the legwork but CASS makes up 30% of your WAEC grade, and skipping assessment tests puts you at risk.
From SS1, schools are required to upload students’ scores on the WAEC platform. If your scores aren’t recorded starting in SS1, you won’t be eligible to write WASSCE for School Candidates.
This process ties students to their schools using unique CASS pins, which makes switching schools without permission difficult. Schools must also complete CASS uploads within the stipulated deadlines before registering students for the final exams. Ensure your records are accurate and up-to-date to avoid missing out.
Mistake 5: Not familiarising yourself with the CBT approach
WAEC has started incorporating Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for some of its examinations. This transition aims to modernise the examination process, improve efficiency, and reduce errors. For instance, the WAEC GCE (General Certificate Examination) for private candidates now includes CBT options.
To avoid issues, it’s key to familiarise yourself with how CBT works before your exam. Make sure you understand how to navigate the system, answer questions on a computer, and use the tools available, like the timer and review features. You can practice using sample CBT exams or visit the official WAEC CBT centres to get comfortable with the process. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress on exam days.
Mistake 6: Uploading an unclear passport
When collecting your digital WAEC certificate, many candidates are faced with a popup saying that their passport photo in WAEC’s records is unclear, and that they need to update it before receiving their certificate.
This can cause identification issues and delays generally. To avoid this, make sure to upload a clear, recent passport photo that meets WAEC’s specifications during registration.
Mistake 7: Not keeping your registration details safe post-registration
Even though you can now visit https://request.waec.ng to retrieve a lost photo card or examination number, it’s essential to keep your registration details secure after completing the process.
Losing these details can cause significant inconvenience. Always document and safely store your examination documents. If you’re unsure about any information, refer to your registration documents or consult your school for assistance.
Mistake 8: Registering for WAEC late
Candidates are always advised not to register late, as this can lead to many of the issues highlighted above.
Last-minute registration is a common mistake that often leads to unnecessary stress, avoidable errors and extra fees. Start your registration as soon as it opens to give yourself enough time for any corrections if needed.
Stay updated with official registration deadlines by checking the WAEC website or consulting with your school.
For more complex issues or investigative purposes, be sure to forward your details to publicaffairs@waec.org.ng.
