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Every year after WAEC results are released, many parents and students go through mixed emotions. While some celebrate, others feel disappointed — even when the results are actually good enough for university admission. A common example is when a student scores multiple B’s and C’s, yet parents complain that the result is “poor.” The truth is, WAEC grades work differently from what many people think.
WAEC Grading System and What It Means
Here is the official WAEC grading scale and the interpretation of each grade:
| Grade | Meaning | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Excellent | 75% – 100% |
| B2 | Very Good | 70% – 74% |
| B3 | Good | 65% – 69% |
| C4 | Credit | 60% – 64% |
| C5 | Credit | 55% – 59% |
| C6 | Credit | 50% – 54% |
| D7 | Pass | 45% – 49% |
| E8 | Pass | 40% – 44% |
| F9 | Fail | 0% – 39% |
What Counts as a “Good Result”?
For most universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria, the requirement for admission is a minimum of five credits (C6 or higher) including English Language and Mathematics, and the relevant subjects for your intended course.
That means if a student has B’s and C’s — even without A’s — they have already met the academic standard needed for further studies. For example, 5 B’s and the rest C’s is a strong result that can secure admission into competitive courses.
Why Parents Should Not Panic Over C Grades
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A C in WAEC is still a credit pass, and it means the student scored at least 50%. In most cases, whether you have a B3 or a C5 in a subject does not affect your eligibility for admission, as long as you meet the required subject combination for your course.
WAEC Grades vs University Grades
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To put things in perspective, in many universities, a score between 50% and 59% is considered a “C” and is still a pass. In fact:
- 70% – 100% is an A (First Class standard)
- 60% – 69% is a B (Second Class Upper)
- 50% – 59% is a C (Second Class Lower)
This means a C in WAEC is still equivalent to a solid pass in university grading — enough to keep progressing without any academic penalty.
Final Advice for Parents and Students
- Celebrate your child’s success if they have the required credits — it’s not easy to pass WAEC.
- Focus on the next step (JAMB, Post-UTME) rather than dwelling on grades that are already good enough.
- Encourage improvement, but avoid discouraging remarks that may lower the student’s confidence.
Words of Encouragement
Grades are not the only measure of intelligence or future success. Some of the world’s most successful people did not have perfect results, but they had determination, hard work, and confidence in their abilities. So, if your child has 5 B’s and the rest C’s, don’t call it “poor” — call it “progress.” Support them, guide them, and watch them achieve even greater heights.
