The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says 1,959,636 candidates from 24,207 schools are sitting for the ongoing 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for school candidates.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the Head of WAEC Nigeria, Doctor Amos Josiah Dangut, who said the figure represents an increase in female participation and a decline in male candidates compared to last year.
“The computer-based examination, which began on April Twenty One with practicals, would run until June 19, covering 37 subjects and 97 papers across eight weeks and three days” he said.
Dangut said more schools opted for the computer-based option this year due to its efficiency and alignment with global best practices, following the Federal Ministry of Education’s recommendation while some offshore schools using the WAEC syllabus in neighbouring countries also adopted the format.
Acknowledging security challenges in parts of the country, Dangut said WAEC was working with the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, and state governments to ensure smooth conduct of the exams.
Dangut also warned that penalties would be applied to candidates, supervisors, and schools found culpable engaging in malpractices cautioning parents against patronising rogue website operators selling exam materials.
Speaking on Digital Innovations, Dangut said”WAEC highlighted ongoing digital upgrades, including the Digital Certificate platform for candidates from 1999 to date, the Digital Examiners Marks System for real-time marking, and the WAEC Chatbot on WhatsApp and http://request.waec.org“
“Other tools include WAEC Verify for result authentication, a Centre Locator, and an Examination Malpractice Portal for complaints. Candidates can also access past questions, chief examiners’ reports, and e-learning resources via the WAEC E-Study and E-Learning portals” Dangut said.
He highlighted ongoing WAEC’s digital and innovation upgrades of tools The National Identification Number (NIN) was also integrated into the registration process in line with Federal Government policy.
Dangut said results would be released 45 days after the last paper, while certificates would be printed and issued to schools within 90 days. Digital copies will be available on the WAEC Digital Certificate platform.
He thanked the Federal Ministry of Education, state ministries, security agencies, and the media for their support, adding that the Council was fully prepared to deliver a credible examination.
“About 29,000 senior secondary school teachers are serving as supervisors for the exercise” Dangut said.
