By Theresa Moses
In the busy hallway of West African schools where dreams entwine with the pursuit of knowledge, lies an unsung hero, a silent ally—the WAEC Portal. Currently, students across West Africa – Nigeria, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia – find themselves at a crucial juncture in their educational journey: the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Head of the National Office, Dr Amos Josiah Dangut, during a recent press briefing in Lagos, disclosed that “a total of 1,814,344 candidates from 22,229 schools are on a milestone of their educational journey. Out of this number, 902,328 are males while 912,016 are females.” This scales in favour of gender equality, with females representing 50.27 per cent of the total population, and underscores the growing prominence of female participation in education.
In reflection, I recall my experience in the early 2000s, in the Tin City of Jos, Plateau State, when we faced the challenge of accessing examination information. In those days, the journey to academic success was fraught with obstacles and we relied heavily on our parents, schools, and teachers for guidance. However, with technological advances in the fast-paced world of education, a digital silent ally that facilitates the process has emerged – the WAEC Portal – but it remains largely untapped.
The WAEC Portal is more than just a website; it is a lifeline for students to sail across the complexity of the educational sphere. With a few clicks and keystrokes, students gain access to a reservoir of information and resources that will aid their success. At its core, the portal serves as a digital guardian, illuminating the path to success for students across West Africa.
“It’s a one-stop shop for all WAEC-related queries, offering clarity and dispelling doubts. From exam schedules to syllabi and registration procedures, the portal’s notification system ensures students stay informed about important deadlines and announcements, helping them plan and prioritise their studies effectively, leaving no stone unturned in its mission to empower students with knowledge. The portal lays out a commitment to empowerment and inclusivity. With seventy-six subjects and 197 papers on offer, ensuring that every student, regardless of their chosen field of study, has access to the resources they need to excel,” Dr Dangut said.
Gone are the days of desperately searching for study materials, including past questions, schemes and practice tests. The WAEC Portal’s extensive library puts everything students need at their fingertips, empowering them to study smarter, not harder. Interestingly, the portal’s practice tests and assessment tools help students gauge their progress, identify areas for improvement, and develop a growth mindset. The interactive features and comprehensive database of the portal proselytise a sense of community among students that goes beyond geographical boundaries, uniting them in their quest for knowledge and success. Through forums and discussion sections, students connect with peers from different regions, sharing insights, experiences, support and motivation with each other, helping to reduce the stress and anxiety of exam season and improve academic performance.
It’s evident that the WAEC Portal represents more than just technological innovation but is a testament to progress. For over seven decades, the West African Examinations Council has been at the forefront of educational excellence, evolving and adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of students and stakeholders alike. From the launch of the EDUSTAT platform, which provides stakeholders with detailed analysis and data to the introduction of WAEC Digital Certificate Platform that has revolutionised the way candidates access and share their results with ease, and the Council’s Computer-Based Testing Services and Aptitude Tests Department offering reliable and standardised testing services to stakeholders, WAEC has consistently pushed for possibility while leveraging on the power of technology to enhance service delivery and drive positive change across board.
Stressing the importance of the portal, Dr Dagut noted: “The Council has introduced a compilation of past questions with marking schemes to aid candidates’ learning and has made available its e-learning portal to provide learning materials and expert advice. The WAEC Konnect portal has also been developed to enable candidates and other stakeholders to interact with the Council and access necessary information.”
He assured stakeholders that results would be released within 45 days after the last paper, while certificates would be printed and issued to schools in less than 90 days after the release of results. Digital copies of candidates’ certificates will also be accessible on the Digital Certificate platform.
The WAEC e-learning platform is more than just a website; it’s a gateway to success, a constant companion that guides students every step of the way. “The Council has made significant strides in improving its service delivery, including the launch of Educational Statistics (EDUSTAT) platform, Digital Certificate Platform, Computer-Based Testing Services, Aptitude Test Department, WAEC Request Management Portal/Chatbot, and WAEC Verify.”
To those West African geniuses writing WASSCE, I wish you success. To the next set of geniuses, I say this: make sure to bookmark and visit the portal, https://WAEConline.org.ng regularly, for it is your key to unlocking a world of possibilities. Embrace the WAEC Portal; let it be your guide, confidante, companion, and indispensable tool in your journey to success.
In this digital age, the power to shape your destiny lies not in the hands of fate but in the click of a button.
Share your story or I Witness Reports with us 24/7 via SMS/Whatsapp: +234(0)8072022024, Email: [email protected], follow us on our social media platforms: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook: @Gatmash, and subscribe to our YouTube channel: Gatmash TV.
Gatmash News is one of the most sought-after news portals, with an increasing audience and exclusive breaking news and reports across the globe. Plus more. Website: https://gatmash.com
For ad placement, contact us today via email at [email protected] or call our hotlines at +234(0)8072022024.
