Metro
WAEC Releases 2022 SSCE Private Candidates’ Results
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, has released the result of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, 2022– Second Series.
The examination, according to a statement signed by the Head of National Office, Patrick E. Areghan, was conducted in Nigeria between Monday, October 31st, 2022, and Thursday, December 15th, 2022. The Coordination of Examiners and Marking of Candidates’ Scripts were carried out at Seven (7) Traditional Marking Venues and one E-marking venue spread across the country, from Monday, January 16th, to Sunday, February 5th, 2023. A total of Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-Three (3,393) Examiners participated in the Coordination and Marking Exercise.
Seventy-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Eight (77,768) candidates (representing a 31.88% increase, when compared with the 2021 entry figure) entered the examination, while Seventy-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Four (73,424) candidates sat the examination at Six Hundred and Thirty-Eight (638) centres spread across the nooks and crannies of the country.
Amongst the Seventy-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Four (73,424) candidates that sat the examination, One Hundred and Forty-Three (143) were candidates with varying degrees of special needs. Out of this number, Forty-Four (44) were visually challenged, Sixteen (16) had impaired hearing, Nineteen (19) were Albinos and Nine (9) were physically challenged. All these candidates were adequately provided for in the administration of the examination.
Of the total number of Seventy-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Four (73,424) candidates that sat the examination, Thirty-Six Thousand, One Hundred and Forty-One (36,141) were males while Thirty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty-Three (37,283) were females, representing 49.22% and 50.78%, respectively.
Out of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, Seventy-Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty-Five (72,265) candidates, representing 98.42%, have their results fully processed and released. In contrast, One Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty-Nine (1,159) candidates, representing 1.58%, have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors on the part of the candidates. However, efforts are being made to complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates get their full results.
The analysis of the statistics of the performance of candidates shows that out of the Seventy-Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Four (73,424) candidates that sat the examination:
Forty-Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Five (42,405) candidates representing 57.75%, obtained credit and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects (with or without English Language and/or Mathematics);
Thirty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Four (30,954) candidates representing 42.16%, obtained credit and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
Of this number, Fifteen Thousand and Seventy (15,070), i.e., 48.69%, were male candidates, while Fifteen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Four (15,884), i.e., 51.31%, were female candidates. The percentage of candidates in this category in the WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2021, that is, those who obtained credit and above in a minimum of Five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, was 48.61%. Thus, there is a marginal decrease of 6.45% in the performance over that of 2021.
This analysis, however, cannot be compared with that of the WASSCE for School Candidates. Whereas the candidate in the WASSCE for School Candidates Examination is compelled to sit eight or nine subjects, the candidate in the WASSCE for Private Candidates Examination, though can register for eight or nine subjects, is not compelled to take all. He/she is free to sit, even one subject, depending on the deficiency he/she wants to remedy. For him/her, therefore, the examination is only a remedial one – a remedy for an existing deficiency. From the above, it will not be true or fair to say that the performance in this examination has dwindled.
The results of Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy-One (7,871) candidates, representing 10.72% of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, are being withheld in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice. The cases are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate Committee of the Council for determination in due course. The Committee’s decisions will be communicated directly to the affected candidates thereafter.
Candidates who sat the examination should visit www.waecdirect.org to check their results. Candidates will also be required to apply for hardcopies of their certificates online through the WAEC Certificate Request Portal (e-Certman) website: https://certrequest.waec.ng/
They can also access, share and download their digital certificates online by visiting www.waec.org once the hard copies are available.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Nigeria, would like to thank the Federal Government, Security Agencies, the Nigeria Administrative & Finance Committee of WAEC, Staff, Supervisors, Invigilators, Custodians, Examiners, the Mass media, other Ad-hoc personnel and, indeed, all other stakeholders for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the examination, marking of scripts and release of the result of the WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2022- Second Series in Nigeria.
The West African Examinations Council congratulates all candidates who sat for the examination.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered a stay of execution of the judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress and four other political parties.
In a unanimous decision on Tuesday, a three-member panel led by Justice A. B. Mohammed condemned Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja for flouting a May 22 order that directed him to suspend proceedings before him, describing his conduct as the gravest form of judicial misconduct.
“The decision of the lower court to proceed with the judgment despite the express order of this court is a brazen violation of the hierarchy of the court and the 1999 Constitution,” the panel held.
The appellate court went further, invoking a Supreme Court precedent to characterise Justice Lifu’s conduct in the harshest terms available to it.
The court said it had a duty to assert its supervisory authority over lower courts and protect the integrity of the judicial hierarchy.
“Courts are enjoined to protect their integrity. This court has supervisory authority over the trial court. This court has the duty to invoke its powers in ensuring that its orders are obeyed. The application for stay of execution is hereby granted. The enforcement of the judgment is stayed,” the panel ruled.
By Tolulope A. Adegoke PhD
Democracy, at its best, represents far more than periodic elections or formal institutions of government. It is a living covenant between the state and its people — one that promises participation, accountability, justice, transparency, and the genuine opportunity for collective advancement. In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a key actor on the global stage, the interplay between democracy and the prosperity of its citizens remains central to the nation’s future. When democracy is nurtured with sincerity and competence, it becomes a powerful driver of human development, economic growth, social cohesion, and national stability. When it falls short, it risks breeding disillusionment, inequality, and unrest. This write-up examines this vital relationship, reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, its impact on citizen well-being, persistent obstacles, and realistic pathways toward a more secure, prosperous, and hopeful future for all Nigerians.
The Promise and Practice of Democracy in Nigeria
Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 ushered in the longest stretch of uninterrupted democratic governance in the country’s post-independence history. The 1999 Constitution, despite its imperfections, enshrines core principles such as separation of powers, fundamental human rights, federal character, and regular elections. For millions of Nigerians, democracy symbolises the chance to have a voice in shaping their destiny and to benefit from responsive governance.
True democratic prosperity goes beyond economic statistics. It encompasses improved access to quality education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, decent employment, and equal opportunities. When citizens experience tangible improvements in their daily lives as a result of democratic processes, public trust in institutions grows stronger. Conversely, when prosperity remains elusive for large segments of the population, democratic legitimacy weakens.
Nigeria has recorded notable achievements within its democratic framework. The liberalisation of the telecommunications sector, banking reforms, the rise of the creative economy (Nollywood, music, and digital content), and increasing participation in regional trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) all occurred in a democratic environment that enabled private enterprise and innovation.
Persistent Challenges on the Path to Prosperity
Despite these gains, significant gaps remain between democratic aspirations and lived realities. Nigeria continues to grapple with high rates of multidimensional poverty, youth unemployment, and widening inequality. Many citizens, particularly in rural areas and among vulnerable groups, feel disconnected from the dividends of democracy.
Key challenges include:
- Insecurity: Persistent threats from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts continue to destroy lives, displace communities, and discourage investment.
- Economic Structure: Over-reliance on oil revenue, weak industrial base, and limited value addition in agriculture and solid minerals constrain broad-based prosperity.
- Institutional Weaknesses: Corruption, uneven policy implementation, and limited coordination across government levels often undermine development efforts.
- Human Capital Deficits: Inadequate investment in education, healthcare, and skills development leaves many young Nigerians unprepared for the demands of a modern economy.
- Electoral and Governance Issues: Concerns about electoral integrity, political patronage, and policy inconsistency sometimes erode public confidence.
These issues are not unique to Nigeria. Many democracies worldwide, especially in developing contexts, face similar tensions between democratic ideals and developmental outcomes.
Practical Pathways to a Deciding and Fruitful Democratic Future
For democracy to truly assure prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry, deliberate and sustained actions are required across multiple fronts:
1. Strengthening Institutions and Accountability Independent and well-resourced institutions — particularly the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and electoral bodies — are essential. Transparent appointment processes, adequate funding, and robust oversight mechanisms can significantly reduce impunity and enhance public trust.
2. Inclusive Economic Transformation Nigeria must accelerate economic diversification by investing heavily in agriculture, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and the creative industries. Policies should deliberately target small and medium enterprises, women, and youth. Human capital development through quality education, vocational training, and digital skills must become a national priority.
3. Security as a Foundation for Prosperity A holistic security strategy that combines effective law enforcement with community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and massive socio-economic interventions in affected regions is vital. Addressing the root causes of conflict — poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation — is as important as tactical responses.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment With a predominantly youthful population, Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people. Deliberate investments in youth entrepreneurship, innovation hubs, sports, and leadership development can transform demographic pressure into a powerful dividend. Similarly, gender-inclusive policies that enhance women’s access to education, finance, and political participation will accelerate national progress.
5. Deepening Democratic Culture and Participation Civic education, responsible media, and active citizen engagement beyond election periods are crucial. Citizens must be empowered to demand accountability while contributing constructively to nation-building.
6. Leveraging Regional and Global Opportunities Nigeria should continue to play a leadership role in ECOWAS and the African Union while attracting responsible foreign investment and technology transfer. Successful democratic governance and economic progress in Nigeria can serve as a beacon for other African nations.
Relevance to the Wider-World
Nigeria’s democratic experience offers valuable lessons for other nations navigating the complex relationship between democracy and development. It demonstrates the resilience of democratic ideals even in challenging contexts, the power of a vibrant civil society, and the potential of a youthful population. At the same time, it highlights the universal truth that democracy must deliver tangible results to remain legitimate and sustainable.
Conclusion: Democracy as an Assurance of a Fruitful Future
Democracy remains the most credible pathway to sustainable prosperity for the Nigerian citizenry. While challenges persist, they should not overshadow the progress achieved or the immense potential that still lies ahead. The deciding factor for a fruitful future lies not in abandoning democracy, but in deepening, refining, and perfecting it.
This requires visionary and ethical leadership that prioritises the common good, active and responsible citizenship that demands accountability, and institutional reforms that translate democratic promises into tangible improvements in people’s lives. When democracy truly works for the people — delivering security, opportunity, justice, and dignity — it becomes the strongest assurance of a stable, prosperous, and hopeful future.
Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The choices made by leaders and citizens today will determine whether the promise of democracy translates into widespread prosperity or remains an unfulfilled aspiration. With courage, wisdom, collective commitment, and sustained effort, Nigeria can build a democracy that not only endures but genuinely serves the aspirations of its people — offering inspiration to many nations facing similar journeys around the world.
The future of the Nigerian citizenry can be brighter — if democracy is well defended, strengthened, and made to work for all.
Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, resilient nation building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com
There was panic on Friday after human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, collapsed following a confrontation with the police during a Democracy Day protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.
Reports said that Sowore collapsed after police operatives moved to disperse protesters gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and bad governance.
The demonstrators were dispersed after security personnel fired teargas canisters at the protesters in an apparent attempt to break up the gathering.
Following the incident, Sowore has reportedly been taken to an undisclosed hospital for further examination and treatment.
