Two Nigerian students who received international recognition from Cambridge International Education have explained the major differences between the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), saying the two examinations assess candidates in different ways.
The students, who earned Cambridge awards in English Language and Mathematics, shared their experiences during an interview on Channels Television, where they discussed how IGCSE compares with WAEC.
According to the English award winner, having completed WAEC and currently sitting for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination, the differences between IGCSE and WAEC became clear after writing both exams.
“I’ve seen both IGCSE and WAEC, and they are very, very different. I don’t want to say it is easier, but IGCSE is a little bit easier to understand than WAEC,” the student said.
Explaining further, the student noted that Cambridge English Language is divided into three components: reading and writing, speaking, and listening, while WAEC includes essay writing, objective questions and oral English assessments.
The student said one of the biggest distinctions is that IGCSE focuses more on a candidate’s ability to interpret information presented in the examination rather than relying solely on memorised knowledge.
“IGCSE doesn’t really want you to know things beforehand. They want you to understand what the question is telling you. They could ask you about a topic you already know, but your answer should come from what is contained in the question, not necessarily from what you already know,” the student explained.
By comparison, the student said WAEC demands broader preparation because candidates are expected to apply knowledge acquired during their studies when answering examination questions.
The Mathematics award winner also agreed that the two examination systems are structured differently, highlighting that each requires a unique approach to preparation and problem-solving.
The discussion came after the programme host noted that Cambridge IGCSE qualifications are highly regarded by employers and universities around the world, making them attractive to students seeking international academic opportunities.
Cambridge IGCSE is an internationally recognised secondary school qualification accepted by universities and employers in many countries. In Nigeria, the examination is mainly offered by private and international schools, while WAEC remains the standard secondary school leaving examination for students across Nigeria and several West African countries.
The students’ comments have sparked conversations among parents, teachers and candidates preparing for both local and international examinations, with many weighing the different approaches used by the two assessment bodies.