Every year, after the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) releases the results of the WASSCE, there is one question that floods the internet: “What schools had their WAEC results withheld?” In 2025, that question trended more than ever, largely due to a fake list that went viral across WhatsApp and social media.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the list of schools with withheld WAEC results, including the truth behind the viral list, what WAEC has said officially, and how students and parents can protect themselves from misinformation.
What Does “Withheld WAEC Results” Actually Mean?
WAEC withholds results when there are suspected cases of exam malpractice or irregularities. This doesn’t mean that the result is cancelled—it simply means it is under investigation until the Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC) concludes a review and decides the next step.
In 2025, the council reported that 22.94% of candidates—about 451,796 candidates—had their results withheld due to issues arising during the conduct of the examination. This is a sharp increase compared to the 215,267 withheld in 2024’s May/June WASSCE.
Has WAEC Released Any Official List of Schools?
No, WAEC has not released any official list of schools with withheld results.
WAEC has publicly denied releasing any such list. The viral document making rounds—titled “List of 120 schools with withheld WASSCE results”—was not from WAEC and was described as “fake and misleading” by the exam body.
WAEC clarified that it does not reference schools by name when addressing malpractice investigations. Instead, it uses centre numbers, and even then, only through direct communication with the schools involved, not public announcements.
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The Origin of the Fake List
So, where did the fake list come from?
In mid-July 2025, a document began circulating online, claiming to show 120 Nigerian schools whose students had their WASSCE results withheld. The list falsely included elite schools such as:
- Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary
- Dowen College
- Greensprings School
- Atlantic Hall
- Vivian Fowler Memorial College
- King’s College
- Redeemer’s High School
- Grange School
- Corona Secondary School
The list was widely shared on WhatsApp and Facebook, and it claimed to be signed by Dr. Florence Omobonike Ajayi—a person WAEC says does not work with the organization.
WAEC further emphasized that it never requests schools to bring scripts for verification and warned the public to disregard the list.
Why WAEC Withholds Results
WAEC may withhold results based on:
- Use of mobile phones or unauthorised devices in exam halls
- Collusion among candidates
- Script swapping
- Unapproved aids during exams
- Suspected impersonation
The withholding is part of WAEC’s integrity strategy. While this may affect many innocent candidates, it ensures that the examination process remains credible and globally respected.
How to Know if Your Result Has Been Withheld
If you’re worried that your result might be among those withheld, here’s how to check:
- Visit the official WAEC result portal: https://www.waecdirect.org
- Enter your exam number, year, and type (School/Private).
- If your result is withheld, a message will appear stating that your result is “held in connection with examination irregularity.”
Alternatively, students can:
- Contact their school principal for updates
- Monitor WAEC’s official social media handles for announcements
- Visit any nearby WAEC Zonal Office
List of Schools with Withheld WAEC Results
To be very clear: there is no official, validated public list of schools with withheld WAEC results.
The trending list that included names of prestigious schools was fake. WAEC has urged the public to stop spreading this false information, which causes unnecessary panic among students, parents, and institutions.
If you’re searching for a “list of schools with withheld WAEC results,” the most accurate answer is:
WAEC does not release such lists publicly. Only schools are privately informed using their centre numbers, not school names.
What Should Schools Do If They Are Wrongfully Named?
For schools that were falsely included in the viral list, here are some practical steps:
- Issue a public disclaimer distancing the school from the claims.
- Contact WAEC through official channels to report the impersonation.
- Engage with parents and students to explain the facts and protect their reputation.
- Avoid further circulation of the fake list to prevent legitimizing the claims.
What Happens to Withheld Results?
All withheld results are subject to review by WAEC’s Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC). The committee meets a few months after the results release to review evidence and decide whether:
- The result will be released
- The result will be cancelled
- The candidate will face sanctions
WAEC usually releases updates on previously withheld results weeks after the NEC meeting.
Conclusion
WAEC has made it clear: there is no official list of schools with withheld WAEC results.
Any such list found online is likely fake and should be ignored. Students and schools are encouraged to rely only on WAEC’s official website and social media channels for information. If your result is withheld, follow the appropriate steps, and wait for NEC’s review.
Remember, spreading false information not only damages reputations but also contributes to panic and confusion. Let’s keep the internet honest—share only verified facts.
FAQs
What is the list of schools with withheld WAEC results in 2025?
There is no official list released by WAEC. Any circulating list is fake and unverified.
Why were WAEC results withheld in 2025?
WAEC withheld 451,796 results due to examination malpractice and irregularities.
How can I check if my WAEC result was withheld?
Visit https://www.waecdirect.org and input your details. If withheld, a notification will appear.
Can WAEC ask a school to bring in scripts?
No. WAEC does not request scripts from schools. Any such claim is false and misleading.
When will withheld results be released?
WAEC typically releases withheld results after the NEC meets and completes investigations.
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