The Benue State Government has confirmed the recovery of 13 additional bodies following recent attacks in communities across three local government areas, bringing the total death toll to 72. Governor Hyacinth Alia provided this update through his Principal Special Assistant on ICT and New Media, Isaac Uzaan.
The attacks, which occurred in Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas, have been attributed to suspected armed herdsmen. In one of the most devastating incidents, over 30 people were killed in Ayati village, Ukum LGA, on August 8, 2024. Subsequent search efforts uncovered more bodies, and additional victims succumbed to injuries in hospitals, raising the death toll to 74.
Governor Alia has condemned these attacks, describing them as heinous crimes against humanity. He has called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and ensure the protection of vulnerable communities. The governor also announced plans to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the root causes of the violence and to implement measures aimed at restoring peace in the affected areas.
The recent surge in violence has displaced numerous residents, disrupted agricultural activities, and heightened tensions in the region. Community leaders and citizens are urging both state and federal authorities to take decisive action to address the security challenges and prevent further loss of life.
As the situation develops, the Benue State Government continues to monitor the affected areas and coordinate with security forces to restore order and provide assistance to victims and their families.
The Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world, with a global following of over a billion people. It is founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ and is led by the Pope, who holds the title of Bishop of Rome and is seen as the spiritual successor to Saint Peter, one of Jesus’s original apostles.
The pope serves as the visible head of the Church and represents a powerful symbol of unity for Catholics around the world. In modern times, the pope is recognized globally as the highest spiritual authority within the Catholic faith.
Over the course of nearly 2,000 years, the papacy has developed from its early beginnings in Rome into a worldwide religious institution. Throughout history, popes have played crucial roles in defining doctrine, leading ecumenical councils, responding to major political and cultural shifts, and guiding the Church through events like wars, reformations, and modern-day challenges.
List Of Past Popes
Pope Francis (2013–2025)
First Jesuit pope, first from the Americas (Argentina), known for humility, reform efforts, and a focus on social justice.
Pope Benedict XVI (2005–2013)
First pope to resign in over 600 years. A German theologian, known for intellectual works and a conservative stance.
Pope John Paul II (1978–2005)
First non-Italian pope in 455 years (from Poland). Played a major role in ending communism in Eastern Europe, canonized as a saint in 2014.
Pope John Paul I (1978)
Known as “The Smiling Pope.” His papacy lasted only 33 days.
Pope Paul VI (1963–1978)
Concluded the Second Vatican Council; promoted modern dialogue between the Church and the world.
Pope John XXIII (1958–1963)
Convened the Second Vatican Council; beloved for his warmth and vision for a modern Church.
Pope Pius XII (1939–1958)
Led the Church during World War II; a controversial figure for his actions during the Holocaust.
Pope Pius IX (1846–1878)
Longest-reigning elected pope; defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903)
Advocated for the rights of workers and wrote Rerum Novarum, a landmark social teaching.
Pope Gregory VII (1073–1085)
Known for reforms and battles with the Holy Roman Emperor in the Investiture Controversy.
Pope Leo I (Leo the Great) (440–461)
Known for persuading Attila the Hun not to invade Rome; declared a Doctor of the Church.
Pope Gregory I (Gregory the Great) (590–604)
Great administrator and missionary leader; Gregorian chant is named after him.
Saint Peter (c. 30–64 AD)
Regarded as the first pope and martyr; one of Jesus’s closest apostles.
How Popes Have Been Elected Throughout History
In the earliest centuries, popes (then called bishops of Rome) were elected by the clergy and people of Rome. Popes were often putatively appointed by their predecessors or by political rulers. The process was informal and often influenced by local Roman Christian communities.
Imperial Influence (4th – 9th Century)
After Christianity became the Roman Empire’s official religion, Roman emperors began to influence papal elections. Emperors often approved or voted candidates.
Rise of the Nobility (9th – 11th Century)
Local Roman noble families began to dominate the process, often treating the papacy as a political prize. This period was marked by corruption and rival claims to the papacy (antipopes).
Creation of the College of Cardinals (1059)
In 1059, Pope Nicholas II issued a decree that only the College of Cardinals could elect a pope. This was a major reform to remove secular interference and ensure Church authority.
The Conclave System (1274 – Present)
The conclave system was formalized by Pope Gregory X at the Second Council of Lyon in 1274. Cardinals were locked in (literally “conclave” means “with a key”) until they elected a pope. This helped avoid long delays and political manipulation.
Modern Conclaves
Since the 20th century, conclaves have become highly organized and secure, held in the Sistine Chapel. Only cardinals under 80 can vote. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a pope. Since Pope John Paul II’s time, security has increased dramatically—no phones, no outside contact, strict secrecy.
Nuclear medicine is a specialized field within radiology that involves the use of very small amounts of radioactive substances (known as radionuclides or radio-tracers) for medical research, diagnostic purposes, and the treatment of a variety of conditions, including cancer. It marks a significant advancement in modern medicine, offering a non-invasive and highly accurate approach to both diagnosing and managing numerous diseases.
Nuclear Medicine Imaging
Nuclear medicine imaging is an interdisciplinary practice that draws from several fields, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer technology, and medicine.
Since soft tissue, such as intestines, muscles, and blood vessels, is difficult to visualize using a standard X-ray unless enhanced with a contrast agent, nuclear imaging steps in to fill that gap. This agent allows the tissue to be seen more clearly.
One of the key strengths of nuclear imaging is that it provides information not only on the structure of organs and tissues but also their function. It is cell specific and the level of radiation in this kind of test tends to be very low.
Radiotracers can be injected, swallowed, or inhaled. Once inside the body, they travel to the targeted organ or area, where they emit gamma rays. These rays are picked up by special cameras that produce detailed internal images.
The extent to which a radionuclide is absorbed, or ‘taken up,’ by a certain organ or tissue may even show how well the organ or tissue is working. Unlike conventional imaging methods such as X-rays or CT scans that primarily depict anatomy, nuclear medicine focuses on physiological function, which often enables earlier detection of abnormalities.
There is a range of radionuclides used in nuclear medicine, including those derived from technetium, thallium, gallium, iodine, and xenon. The choice of radionuclide depends on the nature of the study and the specific organ or system being examined.
How Nuclear Medicine Works
In nuclear medicine, doctors rely on radioactive substances to assess, diagnose, and treat patients suffering from chronic or life-threatening illnesses.
When used in treatment, the tracer targets a harmful organ or tissue and damages or stops the growth of its cells.
Among the most widely used treatment approaches are radioactive iodine therapy and brachytherapy. Brachytherapy is a form of treatment where a sealed radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment.
A recently enacted South African law aimed at correcting long-standing land inequality has ignited a wave of racial and political tension, drawing sharp criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, while South African leaders have strongly defended the move.
Signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa on January 23, 2025, the Expropriation Act of 2024 allows land expropriation without compensation under specific conditions. The legislation has reopened deeply emotional debates surrounding apartheid-era injustices and modern land reform efforts in one of Africa’s most developed nations.
The Act seeks to address disparities stemming from colonial and apartheid-era policies, sparking mixed reactions across the country. Under the 1913 Natives Land Act, Black South Africans, who make up 80% of the population, were restricted to just 7% of the land, while white settlers gained control of most fertile farmland.
By 2017, white South Africans—around 8% of the population—owned 72% of privately held farmland, while 64% of Black South Africans remained without land ownership.
Replacing the 1975 apartheid-era Expropriation Act, the new law allows for “nil compensation” in cases involving abandoned, underutilized, or state-held land, with a goal to empower Black farmers and tackle urban housing shortages.
“This is about justice, not vengeance,” Ramaphosa said during a February speech, affirming that no land has been expropriated without compensation since the Act was enacted.
“The law respects property rights while addressing a painful history of dispossession.”
Despite government assurances, the Act has stirred concern from opposition parties. The Democratic Alliance (DA)—a majority-white party and coalition partner—warns that the law grants too much power to the state and may discourage foreign investment. They’ve filed a constitutional challenge, comparing the law to apartheid-era seizures used to displace Black communities.
AgriSA, a prominent farming organization, has also voiced concerns about economic impacts and possible U.S. tariffs tied to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is due to expire in September 2025.
International tensions escalated when Donald Trump, on February 2, accused South Africa of “confiscating land” and committing “human rights violations” against white farmers.
By February 7, Trump signed an executive order suspending U.S. aid to South Africa and offering refugee status to Afrikaner farmers, citing claims of “racially discriminatory property confiscation.”
Elon Musk, a South African-born billionaire, echoed Trump’s remarks, labeling the law “openly racist ownership laws” and referring to widely debunked “white genocide” narratives. While South Africa reports roughly 50 farm murders annually, experts stress this is part of the country’s broader violent crime landscape and not state-sponsored violence.
In response, the ANC accused Trump and Musk of spreading misinformation. “No land has been seized,” said Pule Mabe, ANC spokesperson. “This is a deliberate distortion to undermine our democracy.” Ramaphosa has since reached out to Musk directly, inviting him to see the reality firsthand.
To manage global perceptions, South Africa has deployed diplomatic envoys to clarify the law’s purpose, assuring foreign partners that it aligns with the Constitution and global norms like eminent domain.
At the grassroots level, the Act is having a deeply emotional impact. In Pretoria, 47-year-old farmworker Shadrack Maseko expressed hope the law will give him land of his own after years of working on white-owned farms. Meanwhile, in Stellenbosch, white farmer Johan Pretorius shared fears of losing his vineyard, recalling Zimbabwe’s economic collapse post-land reforms in the 2000s. However, legal expert Tembeka Ngcukaitobi argues that the law is narrowly applied, with disputes subject to judicial oversight or a Compensation Review Tribunal.
Public response has also been divided. In February, far-right group Solidarity Movement protested against the law, while pro-reform parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) pushed for faster redistribution.
“South Africa stands at a crossroads,” said agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo. “The law could empower millions, but missteps or misinformation could destabilize the economy.”
As the DA’s legal challenge unfolds and U.S.-South Africa diplomatic ties strain, global attention remains fixed on the country’s land reform efforts. Ramaphosa remains steadfast in his vision.
“We are building a nation where land is shared, not hoarded,” he said.
Still, as political rifts deepen and misinformation spreads, South Africa’s path to land equity continues to be a delicate and highly charged journey.
Arsenal secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Ipswich Town, strengthening their hold on second place in the Premier League standings. However, the win was almost overshadowed by a nasty challenge on Bukayo Saka, which raised fresh injury concerns for the Gunners’ star winger.
With Arsenal leading 2-0 and in full control, Leif Davis lunged in with a studs-up tackle from behind, catching Saka dangerously and leaving him writhing on the pitch. The referee promptly issued a straight red card, reducing Ipswich to ten men.
Despite the scare, Saka managed to walk off the pitch and was substituted in the 57th minute — a move that sparked concern among fans fearing another injury setback.
Post-match, Mikel Arteta eased those fears, confirming that Saka was fine and the substitution was precautionary.
“I do, especially with the numbers we have right now and especially when [tackles] are with your back to goal because normally it’s the moment when the foot is planted, your weight is there and you cannot really react to it — but he’s fine,” Arteta said via arsenal.com.
The Gunners went on to finish the match comfortably with goals from Leandro Trossard, who bagged a brace, and Ethan Nwaneri, whose deflected effort sealed the result.
With the Champions League semi-final against PSG on the horizon and a top-four finish still to secure, Arsenal will be relieved to have avoided another injury to one of their key players. Saka’s availability remains vital to the team’s ambitions across all competitions.
The Vatican has confirmed the passing of Pope Francis, releasing a statement that read: “He died on Monday at 7:35 am, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, a day after making a much-hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.”
Pope Francis had been suffering from bilateral pneumonia and was previously discharged from the hospital on March 23.
He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1969. On March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, he was elected pope, succeeding Benedict XVI, who had made history as the first pope in six centuries to resign from the papacy.
How A Pope Is Chosen In The Catholic Church
Popes are selected by the College of Cardinals, the Church’s most senior officials, all appointed by the pope and typically ordained as bishops.
These cardinals are summoned to the Vatican for a meeting that leads to the Papal election, known as the Conclave.
With over 203 cardinals from 69 different countries, the process is both global and steeped in tradition. However, since 1975, cardinals over the age of 80 have been excluded from voting, and the number of voting cardinals is capped at 120.
The Papal Conclave is a significant event that gathers cardinals from every continent—Latin America, North America, Africa, Asia, and even one from Oceania.
During this period, known as sede vacante (the seat being vacant), when there is no pope, the College of Cardinals assumes responsibility for leading the Church.
The Chamberlain oversees the election process.
Throughout the conclave, the cardinals reside inside the Vatican and are strictly cut off from the outside world. Except for medical emergencies, there is no communication allowed, ensuring total secrecy. The word “conclave” itself means “with a key,” signifying that the cardinals are essentially locked in.
The election can be a brief process or stretch over several days, weeks, or even months. A selected cardinal may decline the papacy, and there have been instances where cardinals died during conclaves.
Regardless, the voting continues until a candidate secures the required majority and accepts the role.
While any baptized male Catholic is technically eligible for election, tradition holds that the new pope is almost always chosen from among the cardinals.
The Vatican emphasizes that the cardinals are guided by the Holy Spirit. Still, even though open campaigning is not allowed, the papal election is known to be a highly political process.
Before voting begins in the Sistine Chapel, the area is thoroughly swept by security to ensure there are no hidden microphones or cameras. Radios, televisions, newspapers, magazines, and mobile phones are strictly prohibited.
Support staff including two doctors, priests available for confessions in multiple languages, and housekeeping personnel are also present. Each of these individuals must take an oath of perpetual secrecy and promise not to use any sound or video recording devices.
Voting Process
Voting takes place in the Sistine Chapel, “where everything is conducive to an awareness of the presence of God, in whose sight each person will one day be judged.”
On the day the conclave begins, the cardinals attend Mass in the morning and then walk in a formal procession to the chapel. Before voting, they sing the “Veni Creator Spiritus”, a prayer asking for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Voting is carried out secretly using paper ballots.
On the first afternoon, only one round of voting may occur. From the second day onward, two ballots are conducted in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Each rectangular ballot has the words “Eligio in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”) printed on the upper half, with space below for the name of the chosen candidate. Cardinals must write the name anonymously, fold the paper twice, place it on a plate, and then slide it into a chalice. Votes are then counted and recorded.
What it takes to be elected Pope
To be elected pope, a cardinal must receive a two-thirds majority currently at least 86 of 128 votes if all eligible cardinals are present.
After every voting session, the ballots are burned in a special stove. Black smoke (fumata nera) signals that no pope has been elected, while white smoke (fumata bianca) announces that a new pope has been chosen.
Chemicals are added to the fire to ensure the smoke color is easily visible to the waiting crowds outside. If a second vote occurs immediately after the first, the ballots from both votes are burned together.
Once a cardinal receives the necessary votes and accepts the role, he is asked: “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If he agrees, he is then asked what papal name he would like to take.
Announcement of a New Pope
After white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney, there is a short wait before the new pope is officially revealed.
Following his acceptance and the selection of a papal name, the other cardinals approach the new pope to show homage and obedience. He is then dressed in papal robes prepared in various sizes small, medium, or large though quick adjustments may be needed.
Soon afterward, the senior cardinal deacon appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver the traditional words: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum… habemus papam!” “I announce to you a great joy… we have a pope!”
The new pope’s name is then announced, and he steps forward to greet the world. After a brief message, he gives his first blessing: the “Urbi et Orbi” to the city and the world”—marking the beginning of his papacy.
Manchester United’s domestic woes deepened as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford. Substitute Pablo Sarabia secured the win for Wolves with a late free-kick, marking United’s 15th league loss of the season—their worst in the Premier League era. This result drops United to 14th place, while Wolves move level on points just behind.
The match was also notable for fan protests against new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe due to controversial seating changes for VIP guests.
Key Moment:
85′ – Pablo Sarabia (Wolves): Came off the bench and curled in a sublime free-kick that beat Onana, sealing all three points for the visitors.
Notable:
United hit a new low, recording their 15th league defeat — the worst in their Premier League history.
Fan protests against co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe intensified, with many leaving early and banners displayed criticizing his leadership.
Wolves leapfrogged United on goal difference, adding further pressure on Erik ten Hag.
Leicester City 0–1 Liverpool
At the King Power Stadium, Liverpool edged past Leicester City with a 1-0 victory, sealing Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League. Trent Alexander-Arnold, returning from injury, scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute after a goal-mouth scramble. This win keeps Liverpool’s title hopes alive, bringing them within three points of clinching their 20th Premier League title.
Key Moments:
Halftime Sub:Luis Díaz came on, increasing attacking intent.
76′ – Trent Alexander-Arnold: On his return from injury, smashed home a loose ball from the edge of the box after a set-piece scramble. Notable:
Leicester are mathematically relegated after this loss.
Liverpool inch closer to the title — 3 points from glory.
Jürgen Klopp praised his team’s patience and composure post-match.
Fulham 1–2 Chelsea
In a thrilling West London derby, Chelsea mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage, bolstering their Champions League qualification hopes.
Key Moments:
32′ – Alex Iwobi (Fulham): Slotted home coolly after a quick break, exploiting a Chelsea defensive lapse.
46′ – Chelsea subbed in Sancho and Gusto, changing the game’s rhythm.
83′ – Tyrique George (Chelsea): Scored his first Premier League goal, latching onto a deflected ball in the box.
90+2′ – Pedro Neto: Clinched the win with a sharp finish from an Enzo Fernández assist. Notable:
Malo Gusto limped off in the 89th minute with a hamstring concern.
Chelsea’s top-four hopes remain alive with this gutsy comeback.
Ipswich Town 0–4 Arsenal
Arsenal delivered a commanding 4-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road, delaying Liverpool’s Premier League title celebrations. Leandro Trossard starred with two goals, while Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri also found the net. Ipswich were reduced to ten men in the 31st minute when Leif Davis was shown a red card for a dangerous foul on Bukayo Saka. With the victory, Arsenal moved to 66 points, still trailing Liverpool who need only two more wins to secure the title.
Key Moments:
31′ – Leif Davis (Ipswich): Red carded for a reckless challenge on Bukayo Saka, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
39′ – Gabriel Martinelli: Opened the scoring after a slick team move involving Ødegaard and Rice.
55′ – Leandro Trossard: Doubled the lead with a curled strike from just outside the box.
67′ – Trossard (again): Capitalized on a defensive error to score his second.
82′ – Ethan Nwaneri: The 17-year-old grabbed his debut goal with a tidy finish inside the area. Notable:
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by the Vatican at 7:35 a.m. local time, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia. His passing marks the end of a transformative papacy that began in 2013 and reshaped the global Church through humility, reform, and a focus on social justice.
Early Life and Jesuit Formation
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. His Jesuit background deeply influenced his pastoral approach, emphasizing discernment, humility, and service. Despite health challenges, including the removal of part of a lung in his youth, he rose through the ecclesiastical ranks to become Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was elevated to cardinal in 2001.
Papacy: A Decade of Reform and Outreach
Elected in March 2013, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium. He chose the name Francis to honor St. Francis of Assisi, reflecting his commitment to humility and care for the marginalized. Rejecting the traditional papal apartments, he opted to reside in the Vatican’s guesthouse, Casa Santa Marta, symbolizing his preference for simplicity.
Key Teachings and Global Influence
Pope Francis’s papacy was marked by a focus on mercy, inclusion, and social justice. He advocated for the poor, criticized unbridled capitalism, and emphasized environmental stewardship through his encyclical Laudato si’. His final encyclical, Dilexit Nos (2024), centered on the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, calling for unity and compassion in a fragmented world.
Health Challenges and Final Days
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis faced health issues, including chronic lung problems and mobility challenges. In early 2025, he was hospitalized with bronchitis and later developed double pneumonia. Despite his ailments, he continued to fulfill his duties, delivering an Easter blessing shortly before his death.
Legacy and Succession
Pope Francis’s legacy is one of compassion, reform, and a renewed focus on the Church’s mission to serve the marginalized. He appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to elect his successor, ensuring that his vision will influence the Church’s future direction. In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried in a simple wooden casket at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, deviating from traditional papal burial practices.
Tributes and Global Mourning
World leaders, religious figures, and faithful across the globe have expressed their condolences, honoring Pope Francis’s dedication to peace, justice, and the poor. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell praised him as a “servant of mercy and truth,” reflecting the widespread admiration for his compassionate leadership
Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced a businessman, Uzondu Precious Chimaobi, to four years imprisonment for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act by refusing to accept the Naira as legal tender.
According to a statement from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chimaobi was arraigned on a two-count charge by the agency’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, stemming from his refusal to accept Naira for transactions and instead demanding foreign currency.
One of the charges reads:
“That you, Precious Chimaobi Uzondu, on December 10, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria’s legal tender) by accepting the sum of $5,700 (Five Thousand Seven Hundred USD) as payment for a Cartier diamond bracelet… thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 20 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”
Initially pleading not guilty, the defendant went through a full trial before changing his plea to guilty during a hearing on April 14, 2025.
During the trial, EFCC operative Owolabi Oyarekhua Jude testified that intelligence had been received about Chimaobi’s jewelry business, Unlimited Jewellers Limited, operating out of Atlantic Mall, Chevron Drive, Lekki, Lagos. The company was said to list and transact products exclusively in US dollars, contravening the CBN Act.
A covert operation confirmed the breach:
“An undercover EFCC operative posed as a customer and purchased a diamond nail bracelet tagged at $6,000 for $5,700. The company refused to accept Naira and issued a dollar receipt after the transaction,” the EFCC officer revealed.
Following his guilty plea, prosecution counsel H.U. Kofarnaisa urged the court to rely on the previous witness testimony to convict the defendant.
On April 15, 2025, Justice Owoeye delivered the verdict, convicting Chimaobi and sentencing him to four years in prison. The court also gave an option of a ₦50,000 fine for count one and a ₦600,000 fine for count two. Additionally, the Cartier diamond wristwatch involved in the transaction was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that approximately 1.97 million candidates are set to participate in Nigeria’s inaugural Computer-Based Test (CBT) version of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.
This development signifies a substantial progression from its initial rollout for private candidates in 2024, during which 8,285 individuals took part in the first series of the computer-based examination.
Amos Dangut, the Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, shared this information during a press briefing held at the council’s national office in Yaba, Lagos, on Thursday.
Mr. Dangut stated that the first edition of the CBT WASSCE is scheduled to take place between Thursday, April 24, and Friday, June 20, across various centers nationwide. He disclosed that the examination will encompass 1,973,253 students from 23,554 schools across the country. Among these candidates, 979,228 are male (49.63 percent), while 994,025 are female (50.37 percent), reflecting a continuous increase in female participation.
The examination will cover 74 subjects and 196 papers, with the involvement of over 26,000 senior secondary school teachers serving as supervisors nationwide.
What WAEC Is Saying About WASSCE 2025
WAEC Nigeria has implemented measures aimed at curbing examination malpractice in the upcoming May/June 2025 WASSCE. During a news conference on Thursday, Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, stated: “From this year, two candidates will not have the same questions on each number. We have adopted this innovation for some of the WASSCE codes. “Any candidate who chooses to write a paper other than the one assigned to him or her will be doing himself/herself a disservice and will bear the attendant consequences,” he said.
Dr. Dangut mentioned that the council has also introduced its inaugural Computer-Based WASSCE (CB-WASSCE) for School Candidates, highlighting that this initiative is part of a broader transformation in the education sector. He emphasized that, for now, the CB-WASSCE remains optional.
According to Dr. Dangut, the variations in candidates’ papers for the CB-WASSCE 2025 have been pre-printed based on their registration details. This strategy is also aimed at addressing the issue of examination malpractice.
“The CB-WASSCE 2025 is thrown open, so schools that are ready will be given the opportunity to choose between traditional pen and paper examinations or the newly introduced CB-WASSCE in the forthcoming WAEC. “The adoption of these current test administration techniques is geared towards upholding the academic and moral integrity of the National Policy on Education and is in line with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Education.”
Dr. Dangut also urged parents to refrain from engaging with unauthorized website operators, warning that WAEC will not tolerate such activities during the examination period. He announced that the council will collaborate with the Nigerian Police Force to prosecute offenders, ensuring that there will be no refuge for them. Furthermore, he noted that resources have been provided for WASSCE Core Subjects, Arts Subjects, Science Subjects, and Commercial Subjects to assist candidates in their preparation.
“WAEC E-Study Portal is the approved exams preparatory platform, designed for candidates preparing to sit the WASSCE. This enables schools, teachers and students to access past WASSCE questions (multiple-choice or theory-based), learning plans, marking schemes and performance insights. “Candidates should visit waec.estudy.ng to access the portal. WAEC has made available, via its e-learning portal, resources that will equip candidates’ with the requirements and expectations needed to write and pass their examinations.”
Those Who Won’t Participate in WASSCE 2025 and Why
WAEC Nigeria has withdrawn the licenses of 574 schools found culpable of examination malpractices. These institutions will be barred from conducting examinations as the 2025 WASSCE commences on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC’s National Office, revealed this during a press briefing on Thursday at the examination body’s headquarters in Lagos. He stated that WAEC has submitted the list of the affected schools to the federal government.
“This year, we have shared with them a total of 574 schools that have their recognition withdrawn and that is also going to be the same for all examining bodies. “So, these are those that have got their license revoked as far as the examination centre is concerned. So we will not conduct examinations there. We don’t know them as far as conducting examinations,” Dangut said.
The Shift to CBT in WASSCE: Has It Been Effective?
WAEC commenced its transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) with the WASSCE for Private Candidates in the 2024 First Series. This inaugural examination was conducted from January 31 to February 17, 2024, across 140 CBT centres nationwide, with 8,285 candidates participating. The examination employed a hybrid format: multiple-choice questions were answered directly on computers, while essay and practical sections were presented on-screen, with candidates writing their responses in provided answer booklets. The results indicated a significant improvement in examination integrity, with only 0.80% of results withheld due to malpractice, a notable decrease from previous years. This successful implementation demonstrated the effectiveness of CBT in enhancing the examination process.
Building on this success, WAEC expanded the CBT option to the WASSCE for School Candidates in 2025, allowing schools equipped for CBT to opt for this mode. This move aligns with global best practices and reflects WAEC’s commitment to modernizing examination administration.
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