LAGOS, Nigeria — The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, announcing that 61.5 per cent of candidates obtained credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, while reaffirming its commitment to expanding Computer-Based Testing (CBT) as part of ongoing efforts to modernise examinations and strengthen their credibility.
The announcement was made by the Head of the Nigeria National Office, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, during a press briefing at the Council’s National Office in Lagos, where he presented an overview of the conduct of the examination, candidates’ performance, examination security, technological innovations, and future reforms.
Dr. Dangut expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, security agencies, state governments, school administrators, supervisors, examiners and other stakeholders whose support, he said, ensured the successful conduct of the examination.
According to him, the 2026 WASSCE for School Candidates was conducted between April 8 and June 19, 2026, despite logistical challenges experienced during the registration process.
He disclosed that 1,950,726 candidates sat for the examination across Nigeria, including 1,213 candidates living with various forms of special needs, underscoring WAEC’s commitment to inclusive education.
The examination, he said, was successfully conducted through the collaborative efforts of security agencies, supervisors, centre managers, school principals and other stakeholders, despite attempts by some individuals to compromise its integrity.
No Question Leakage Recorded
One of the major achievements recorded during the examination, according to Dr. Dangut, was the absence of any examination question leakage.
He described the development as a significant milestone in WAEC’s sustained efforts to strengthen examination security and restore confidence in public examinations.
Although some cases of examination malpractice and other infractions were reported at a number of centres, he assured that all allegations would be thoroughly investigated through the Council’s established procedures.
He explained that candidates found culpable would be sanctioned in accordance with WAEC regulations, while those cleared of wrongdoing would have their withheld results released.
Performance Statistics
Presenting the performance statistics, the WAEC Head of National Office disclosed that 1,687,578 candidates, representing 86.5 per cent, obtained credits in at least five subjects.
He added that 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.5 per cent of the total candidates who sat the examination, obtained credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics—the minimum academic requirement for admission into most tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Compared with the previous year, the pass rate recorded a 1.4 percentage point decline.
However, Dr. Dangut cautioned against drawing conclusions from the slight decrease, noting that comprehensive statistical analysis would determine whether the difference was significant.
Examination Malpractice Declines
On examination malpractice, WAEC disclosed that 107,407 candidates, representing 8.29 per cent, had their results withheld pending investigations into allegations of examination malpractice.
The Council noted that the figure represents an improvement over the 9.7 per cent recorded in the 2025 examination.
Dr. Dangut reiterated that WAEC remains committed to balancing examination integrity with fairness, assuring that every reported case would receive due consideration before final decisions are taken.
WAEC Defends Computer-Based Testing
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists after the results presentation, Dr. Dangut strongly defended the Council’s gradual transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT), describing it as one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s examination system.
According to him, WAEC’s experience with CBT has demonstrated that technology can significantly improve examination administration while reducing opportunities for malpractice.
“We are impressed with the way computer-based examinations have been conducted. The innovation has been widely acknowledged, and wherever we discuss CBT, it is evident that the system has brought remarkable improvements to examination administration,” he said.
He revealed that candidates adapted quickly to the new examination format, with many describing the process as easier and more enjoyable.
According to him, stakeholders who monitored the examinations also received overwhelmingly positive feedback from candidates regarding the smooth conduct of the exercise.
WAEC explained that studies carried out after the examinations showed that students were comfortable with the technology because many had previously taken other national examinations using computer-based platforms.
The Council noted, however, that unlike aptitude tests, WAEC examinations assess mastery of the prescribed curriculum, making the successful deployment of CBT an important achievement.
Malpractice in CBT Below One Per Cent
WAEC disclosed that examination malpractice in CBT examinations remains below one per cent, which it described as being below internationally accepted standards.
The Council said the successful deployment of technology has become an effective tool for protecting the credibility of public examinations.
Officials further explained that fears over electricity supply and internet connectivity did not materialise because accredited CBT centres were required to maintain multiple sources of power, including backup systems.
“There has never been any major hitch in the conduct of the computer-based examination. We planned extensively to ensure that every accredited centre had alternative power sources so that candidates would not be disadvantaged,” Dr. Dangut said.
Call for Greater Digital Investment
WAEC urged governments, school owners and education stakeholders to increase investment in digital infrastructure to facilitate the nationwide expansion of computer-based examinations.
The Council recommended that schools begin equipping students with tablets and other digital learning devices, arguing that such investments are increasingly becoming more affordable than traditional desktop computer laboratories.
It also encouraged candidates to make greater use of educational resources such as Chief Examiners’ Reports, past questions, marking schemes and digital learning materials, noting that many students fail to utilise these resources adequately before examinations.
Government to Determine Full CBT Migration
Responding to questions about the possibility of making all secondary school examinations computer-based, WAEC explained that the final decision rests with the Federal Government.
According to the Council, existing government policy already provides for a gradual migration to CBT, with implementation depending largely on the availability of infrastructure across schools nationwide.
WAEC maintained that while it strongly supports wider adoption of technology, adequate planning is necessary to ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged during the transition.
Faster Result Processing Expected
The Council explained that wider adoption of CBT would significantly improve the speed of result processing in future examinations.
Officials said computer-based assessments eliminate many of the delays associated with paper-based examinations, enabling quicker marking and compilation of results.
However, they stressed that faster processing would never come at the expense of examination accuracy or credibility.
Human Factors Remain Biggest Challenge
Although technological systems performed efficiently, WAEC identified resistance to change as one of the biggest challenges facing examination reforms.
The Council explained that occasional operational issues such as data entry errors during registration are promptly detected through established verification procedures before results are released.
Officials added that supervisors and examination personnel undergo continuous training to ensure accurate candidate data management.
“Challenges are part of every system. Whenever issues arise, we investigate them thoroughly, identify the cause and put measures in place to prevent a recurrence,” Dr. Dangut said.
WAEC Explains Examination Fees
Responding to concerns over examination registration fees, WAEC clarified that its official fees reflect the actual cost of conducting examinations, particularly under the computer-based model.
The Council explained that hiring accredited CBT centres attracts substantial operational expenses, especially for science candidates who require multiple examination sessions.
According to WAEC, any reduction in examination fees would require government subsidies or alternative funding sources.
“The cost of operating CBT centres is substantial. If examination fees are to be reduced, someone must bear the cost, whether government or another funding source,” the Council stated.
WAEC also distinguished between its official registration charges and additional fees imposed by some schools.
While the Council collects only approved registration fees, schools often add administrative costs, computer training fees and other institutional charges, resulting in higher amounts paid by candidates.
Parents were advised to seek clarification from school authorities whenever charges significantly exceed WAEC’s approved fees.
New Examination Calendar for Private Candidates
Dr. Dangut also announced a major adjustment to WAEC’s examination calendar for private candidates.
Beginning this year, the Second Series WASSCE for Private Candidates, popularly known as the GCE, will no longer be conducted between November and December.
Instead, the examination will now hold between September and October.
He appealed to the media and other stakeholders to publicise the change widely to ensure prospective candidates are adequately informed.
According to him, the revised timetable will allow candidates seeking to remedy deficiencies in one or more subjects to obtain their results earlier, thereby improving their chances of meeting admission deadlines for tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria.
Digital Services and Future Reforms
The Council highlighted several digital services now available to candidates, including online learning platforms, digital past questions, marking schemes, practice examinations, WhatsApp-based candidate support services, examination support platforms and computer-based testing facilities at the WAEC Testing and Training Centre in Lagos.
Dr. Dangut said WAEC would continue implementing reforms aimed at digitising examination processes, improving quality assurance, expanding revision resources and strengthening examination security.
“As we continue to modernise our operations, our commitment remains to delivering credible examinations, improving service delivery, and supporting the educational aspirations of Nigerian students,” he said.
He concluded by thanking the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, state governments, examination officials, supervisors, examiners, schools and all partners for their continued collaboration.
Dr. Dangut reaffirmed WAEC’s commitment to integrity, innovation and quality service as the Council continues to strengthen the credibility of examinations and support educational development in Nigeria.
