The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially announced that the 2025 Second Series of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates—popularly called the WAEC GCE—has commenced.
This is exciting news for students across Nigeria, especially those who are either trying to improve their grades, complete outstanding papers, or prepare themselves for admission opportunities in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
For many candidates, this exam is a second chance to rewrite their academic story.
What Makes WAEC GCE 2nd Series Special?
Unlike the May/June WAEC which is strictly for school candidates, the WAEC GCE (private candidate exam) is flexible and open to anyone who wants to sit for WAEC again.
The 2nd Series (August/September/October entry) is the most popular because:
- It accommodates thousands of students who didn’t perform well in the May/June school exam.
- It allows admission seekers to meet the required O’Level requirements before the next academic session begins.
- It provides a back-up result that can be used alongside JAMB UTME for university admissions.
For students waiting on admission lists or planning to apply for next year’s JAMB, the GCE result can be a lifesaver.
Who Can Register?
The exam is open to:
- School leavers who want to improve their grades.
- Undergraduates who need better results for course changes or transfers.
- Workers seeking O’Level certificates for promotion or job requirements.
- Private learners who didn’t write WAEC in secondary school.
This flexibility is what makes WAEC GCE one of the most inclusive examinations in West Africa.
Registration Guidelines for WAEC GCE 2025 (2nd Series)
To avoid mistakes, every candidate must follow WAEC’s registration steps carefully:
Step 1 – Purchase Registration PIN
Available from:
- WAEC offices nationwide.
- Accredited banks.
- Authorized agents/retailers.
Step 2 – Online Registration
- Visit the official WAEC registration portal: www.waecnigeria.org
- Enter your Registration PIN/Token.
- Fill in your personal details and subject choices.
- Upload a recent passport photograph (compulsory).
- Complete your registration by submitting your biometric (fingerprint) details.
Step 3 – Print Exam Photocard
The photocard contains:
- Candidate’s exam number
- Examination timetable
- Subject list
- Examination center
⚠️ Important Reminder: Without the biometric capture, registration is incomplete.
Key Dates for WAEC GCE 2025 (2nd Series)
| Activity | Date (Expected for 2025) |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | August 2025 (Now Ongoing) |
| Registration Deadline | Likely mid-September/October 2025 |
| Exam Timetable Release | After registration closes |
| Examination Period | October – December 2025 |
Students are strongly advised not to wait until the last week of registration, as late registration attracts additional charges.
Registration Fees
The cost of the WAEC GCE 2nd Series 2025 is estimated at:
- ₦27,000 – ₦30,000 (standard fee)
- Extra charges apply for:
- Late registration
- Correction of entries (name, date of birth, etc.)
- Requests for special centers
Students should budget wisely and register early to avoid unnecessary costs.
Subjects Available
Candidates can choose a minimum of 7 subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects. These must include:
- Compulsory Subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Civic Education.
- Electives: Sciences, Arts, or Commercial subjects depending on career goals.
Why This Exam is Important for Students
- Admission Opportunities – Most Nigerian universities accept GCE results for admission.
- Career Requirements – Some jobs and professional exams require a complete WAEC result.
- Second Chance – It allows students to correct past failures without waiting for another May/June WAEC.
- Flexibility – It is open to all, not just secondary school students.
Tips for Students Preparing for WAEC GCE 2025
- Start Early – Don’t wait for the timetable before studying.
- Use WAEC Past Questions – Many WAEC questions are recycled or repeated.
- Create a Study Plan – Divide your subjects into daily study sessions.
- Join Tutorial Centers or Online Study Groups – Learn with others to stay motivated.
- Practice Under Exam Conditions – Time yourself while answering past questions.
- Stay Updated – Follow news from WAEC and your examination center.
Words of Encouragement for Students
WAEC GCE is more than just another exam—it’s a doorway to new opportunities. Some of the most successful students in Nigeria today once failed or had incomplete results, but WAEC GCE gave them a chance to bounce back.
So if you’re writing this exam, take it seriously. Prepare with determination, and remember: failure is not final—this exam could be your comeback story.
Final Note
The WAEC GCE 2025 Second Series registration is officially open, and students are encouraged to register now to avoid missing out. With proper preparation and early planning, candidates can achieve excellent results and secure their academic future.
👉 For registration, visit the official WAEC portal: www.waecnigeria.org
