BREAKING: WAEC Clears "Outstanding" Grades, Urges 2025 Candidates to Re-check Results Immediately**


**LAGOS, NIGERIA – [Date of Publication]** – In a significant development impacting thousands of students across West Africa, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced a major update regarding the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates. Candidates who previously had subjects marked as "OUTSTANDING" on their result slips are being urged to log in to their portals immediately, as a substantial number of these pending grades have now been processed and released.


The announcement, first disseminated through official WAEC social media channels and national offices, brings relief and a final wave of anticipation for students whose results were incomplete, often hindering their university admission processes and post-secondary plans.


#### **What Does "Outstanding" Mean?**


For many candidates and parents, the term "OUTSTANDING" has been a source of anxiety and confusion. Contrary to popular belief, it does not indicate an exceptionally high grade. Instead, it is an administrative marker used by WAEC to signify that the result for that particular subject is pending and under review.


This situation can arise from several factors, including:

*   **Investigations into Malpractice:** If a candidate's entire school or specific center is flagged for suspected examination malpractice, all results from that location are withheld pending a thorough investigation.

*   **Internal Administrative Checks:** Occasionally, scripts may require additional verification, marking, or grading standardization, leading to a temporary delay.

*   **Technical or Logistical Issues:** Problems during the transportation or digitization of answer scripts can also result in a result being classified as outstanding.


#### **The Official Directive**


The Council's notice was clear and direct. It read: *"NOTICE TO 2025 WAEC CANDIDATES WITH 'OUTSTANDING' IN THEIR WAEC RESULT: If your result previously showed any subject with an β€˜OUTSTANDING’ grade, kindly check again as some of the outstanding results have now been released."*


Mr. Femi Adesina, a Public Affairs Officer at WAEC's Nigeria National Office, provided further context in a brief statement. "The Council has concluded a series of investigations and administrative reviews pertaining to the 2025 WASSCE. We understand the anxiety that an 'Outstanding' status causes for our candidates. We are pleased to inform them that the vast majority of these pending results have been finalized. We encourage every affected candidate to check their status online to view their complete and updated results."


#### **A Wave of Relief for Anxious Students**


The news has been met with widespread relief. Adeola Lawal, a student from Lagos who had been waiting for her Economics result, shared her experience. "I had already accepted that I would have to wait for the next exam diet or even miss this year's admission," she said. "Seeing that 'Outstanding' was heartbreaking. This morning, I checked after seeing the notice online, and it's now a B3! I can finally apply. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted."


Educational consultants are also hailing the move. Dr. Ben Okoro of EduFocus Consult, Abuja, commented on the broader implications. "This timely resolution by WAEC is crucial. The 'Outstanding' status creates a paralyzing limbo for students. Releasing these results now, rather than months later, allows them to actively compete in the current admission cycle. It is a positive step for the entire educational ecosystem."


#### **How to Check Your Updated WAEC Result**


Candidates are advised to follow these steps to access their updated results:

1.  Visit the official WAEC Result Checking portal at `www.waecdirect.org`.

2.  Enter your 10-digit Examination Number. (Ensure it is correct).

3.  Select your Examination Year (2025).

4.  Choose your Examination Type (School Candidate Result).

5.  Enter the correct Scratch Card PIN and Serial Number from your WAEC result checker card.

6.  Click "Submit" and review your result carefully. All previously "Outstanding" subjects should now display a definitive grade (A1 to F9).


**Important Note:** WAEC has clarified that the update is not universal for every single outstanding case. Some results may still be under protracted investigation. However, the Council confirms that "a significant number" have been resolved.


#### **Next Steps for Candidates**


WAEC advises candidates who still see an "Outstanding" grade after checking to exercise patience as the Council works to resolve the remaining cases. For those with now-complete results, the next step is to proceed with the official result attestation and certification process for university and polytechnic applications.


Candidates are also warned to be wary of fraudulent websites and individuals who may claim to be able to "expedite" the release of outstanding results for a fee. All official communications will only come through WAEC's verified channels.


This development marks the closing of a challenging chapter for the 2025 exam cohort and allows thousands of students to move forward with their academic futures with clarity and confidence.