1. What is WAEC and Why Is It Important?
WAEC stands for the West African Examinations Council. It is a regional exam body that organizes and conducts the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
WAEC is important because:
- It gives students a certificate to show they completed secondary school.
- It is needed for university or college admission.
- It is accepted in Nigeria and other West African countries.
- It checks your knowledge in subjects you studied in school.
WAEC is a big step for your future, so registering correctly is very important.
2. Who Is a School Candidate in WAEC?
A school candidate is a student who:
- Attends a government-approved secondary school.
- Is in SS3 (Senior Secondary School Year 3).
- Registers for WAEC through the school.
- Takes the exam with classmates in the school’s WAEC centre.
If you are writing WAEC in your school and your principal is guiding you, then you are a school candidate.
This is different from a private candidate, who registers alone (e.g., someone who is not in school or rewriting WAEC).
3. WAEC Registration Requirements for School Candidates 2025
Here are all the things school candidates must have before they can register for WAEC in 2025. These are grouped into different types for better understanding.
3.1 Personal Information Needed
Before you start your registration, make sure you know the following about yourself:
- Full Name (First Name, Middle Name, Last Name – in correct order)
- Date of Birth (as shown in your birth certificate or school record)
- Gender (Male or Female)
- Nationality (e.g., Nigerian)
- State of Origin and Local Government Area (LGA)
- Home Address (for correspondence and identification)
- Phone Number (your own or your parent’s)
- Email Address (if required by your school)
Tip: Make sure all this personal information matches your school records and documents. Errors in names or dates can delay your result.
3.2 School and Centre Details
Since you are registering through your school, you need the school’s:
- WAEC Centre Number (this shows where you’ll take the exam)
- School Code (official code WAEC uses to identify your school)
- School Name and Address (must match with the WAEC record)
Your school will help provide this information, so don’t worry too much. But make sure the details are correct on your form.
3.3 Subject Selection Requirements
Every WAEC school candidate must register for a minimum of 8 subjects and a maximum of 9.
Here’s how it works:
Compulsory Subjects for All Candidates:
- English Language
- Mathematics
Core Subjects Based on Your Class Stream:
- Science Students may include: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics, Agricultural Science
- Art Students may include: Literature, Government, CRS/IRS, History, Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa
- Commercial Students may include: Economics, Commerce, Financial Accounting, Office Practice
Tip: Don’t guess. Always choose subjects based on what you studied in school and what you need for university or polytechnic.
3.4 Passport Photograph and Signature
WAEC needs a digital passport photo and signature for each candidate.
Requirements:
- Background: White or very light-coloured
- Format: JPEG or PNG
- Size: Not more than 15–20 KB
- Dimensions: Usually 275 x 314 pixels
- Face: Straight, not smiling, no cap, no glasses
You’ll also upload a digital signature—your handwritten name scanned or written on-screen.
Tip: Use a cyber café or school ICT lab if you don’t have a scanner or camera.
3.5 Scanned Documents (If Required)
Some schools or WAEC offices may ask you to provide:
- Birth Certificate or Age Declaration
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Parent or Guardian’s Consent Form
- Previous WAEC Number (if rewriting)
Not all of these are needed for everyone, but be ready in case you’re asked.
3.6 Registration Fee and Payment Options
In 2025, the WAEC registration fee is expected to fall between ₦18,000 and ₦25,000, depending on your school, number of subjects, and admin fees.
How to Pay:
- Most schools collect payment directly and register all students together.
- Some schools allow students to pay online using bank cards or USSD.
- Receipts or bank tellers may be used for confirmation.
Tip: Pay early. Late registration attracts extra charges and stress.
3.7 Internet Access and Devices
Even as a school candidate, your school might ask you to:
- Visit a cybercafé or computer room to complete your part.
- Log in to an online portal for data capture.
If required, you’ll need:
- A smartphone or computer
- A stable internet connection
- Your registration information
Your school may supervise this or do everything for you, depending on their system.
4. Step-by-Step Registration Process for School Candidates
Even though schools handle registration, it’s important you understand the step-by-step process so you can check your data and avoid mistakes.
Step 1: Collect Information
Give your correct name, date of birth, gender, and subject selection to your school.
Step 2: Pay Registration Fee
Pay the required fee to your school or as instructed.
Step 3: Take Passport Photograph
Visit the school or café for photo capture. Ensure the photo meets WAEC rules.
Step 4: Digital Data Capture
School ICT staff or registration officer will upload your details into WAEC’s portal.
Step 5: Confirm Your Details
You will be asked to check all your information before submission. Review carefully.
Step 6: Get Your Registration Slip
After successful registration, your school will give you a registration slip with your:
- Exam number
- Subject list
- Exam centre
- Personal data
Keep this slip safe.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid During Registration
Here are common errors many students make—and how to avoid them:
| Mistake | Why It’s Bad | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong name spelling | Can delay result or cause mismatch | Double-check school records |
| Wrong subject combination | May affect university admission | Follow the correct subject stream |
| Late payment | May lead to exclusion from exam | Pay on time |
| Poor passport photo | May be rejected by WAEC | Use clear, professional photo |
| Not checking data before submission | Mistakes may be permanent | Review everything carefully |
6. Pros and Cons of WAEC School Candidate Registration
Pros:
- Guided Process: Schools help you, reducing stress.
- Group Registration: Done together with classmates.
- Lower Cost: Often cheaper than private candidate registration.
- Dedicated Exam Centre: You write
in your school.
- Better Preparation: Teachers plan around WAEC timetable.
Cons:
- Less Control: You can’t choose your exam centre.
- Group Errors: Mistakes may affect a batch of students.
- Fixed Timelines: Deadlines are set by the school or WAEC.
7. Comparison: School Candidates vs Private Candidates
| Feature | School Candidate | Private Candidate |
|---|---|---|
| Register Through | School | Self or café |
| Exam Centre | School’s WAEC centre | Assigned by WAEC |
| Supervision | Teachers help with process | You handle everything |
| Cost | Often lower | May be higher |
| Subjects | 8–9 | Flexible |
| Age | Usually 15–20 | Any age |
| Timing | May/June WAEC | Jan/Feb or Nov/Dec WAEC GCE |
8. Examples and Sample Scenarios
Let’s look at Chioma, a school candidate in Lagos.
- Chioma is in SS3 and ready for WAEC 2025.
- Her school collects ₦20,000 for registration.
- She gives her correct name, DOB, and subject list: English, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agric, Civic Education, Yoruba.
- She goes to the school lab and takes her passport photo.
- Her data is entered into WAEC portal by the ICT officer.
- She checks everything and confirms.
- She receives her registration slip the next day.
Because she followed all instructions, she is now ready for her exam.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I register for WAEC without a school?
No, not as a school candidate. If you’re not in school, register as a private candidate.
Q2: Can I choose fewer than 8 subjects?
No. You must register for at least 8 subjects as a school candidate.
Q3: What if I make a mistake in my name or DOB?
Tell your school immediately. Some changes can be made before WAEC closes registration.
Q4: Do I need a NIN to register?
Not always, but it may be required soon. Have it ready.
Q5: When is the registration deadline for 2025?
WAEC usually announces it. Schools will tell you the deadline—try to register early.
10. Summary Table of WAEC 2025 Registration Requirements
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | WAEC (WASSCE) for School Candidates |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | School-Based Registration |
| Subjects | Minimum of 8, Maximum of 9 |
| Compulsory Subjects | English Language, Mathematics |
| Personal Info Needed | Name, DOB, Gender, LGA, State, Nationality |
| School Info Needed | School Name, Centre Number, School Code |
| Photo & Signature | Clear digital passport and signature in JPEG/PNG |
| Fee | ₦18,000–₦25,000 (varies by school) |
| Payment Method | Through school (cash, transfer, or card) |
| Documents (Optional) | Birth Certificate, NIN, Guardian Consent |
| Registration Platform | Done by school ICT staff on WAEC portal |
| Output | Registration Slip with WAEC Number |
11. Conclusion
The WAEC registration requirements for school candidates 2025 are very important for every student in Nigeria writing their WAEC next year. Whether you’re in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, or Enugu, the process is the same.
By knowing:
- What documents and data you need
- How the registration works
- What mistakes to avoid
You give yourself the best chance of registering successfully and focusing on passing your exams.
Start early, follow your school’s instructions, and ask questions if you’re confused. WAEC is your gateway to the next level of education—and it all begins with proper registration.
