-As WAEC Kicks Off 2025 Assessment Cycle
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA – Liberia’s education sector is gearing up for its most critical annual evaluation period as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) prepares to administer standardized tests to 188,712 students across various academic levels beginning April 28, 2025.
WAEC Liberia office has outlined a structured timetable for this year’s assessments:
– April 28–29: 53,562 junior high students (9th graders) will take the Liberia Junior High School Certificate Examination (LJHSCE) at 396 centers.
– April 30–May 1: 47,008 primary school pupils (6th graders) will sit the Liberia Primary School Certificate Examination (LPSCE) at 397 centers.
– May 2: 35,002 third graders will participate in the **Liberia National Assessment Test (LNAT) in their respective schools.
– May 15–June 10: The WASSCE for senior high students (12th graders) will take place, involving 53,140 candidates.
Dale G. Gbotoe, Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC Liberia issued a stern warning against examination malpractice, urging students, teachers, and school administrators to uphold integrity during the tests.
“WAEC, in collaboration with the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Justice, is fully prepared to prosecute anyone involved in exam fraud,” Gbotoe emphasized. He called on the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to support efforts in preventing cheating and ensuring credible results.
The exam
WAEC stands for the West African Examinations Council, a regional examining body in West Africa. It was established in 1952 to harmonize and standardize pre-university assessment procedures in English-speaking West African countries. The Council’s main objectives are to conduct examinations in the public interest and to award certificates that meet international standards.
WAEC’s primary function is to conduct examinations, particularly the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Founded in 1952, it initially served the Gold Coast (now Ghana), Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. Liberia became a member in 1974. :
The Council aims to determine necessary examinations, conduct them, and award certificates. WAEC operates in Anglophone West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Liberia. The most well-known examination administered by WAEC is the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Successful completion of the WASSCE leads to the awarding of the West African Senior School Certificate.
