The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has assured stakeholders that the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for school candidates will be conducted with credibility, transparency and improved security measures aimed at curbing examination malpractice.
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Amos Dangut, head of the national Office at WAEC Nigeria, disclosed this on Monday in Lagos, when he assured that preparations are already underway to ensure a seamless transition and maintain the integrity of the examination process across participating schools in Nigeria.
…as council reveals 250 schools adopt CBE in 202
Amos Dangut, head of the national Office at WAEC Nigeria, disclosed this on Monday in Lagos, when he assured that preparations are already underway to ensure a seamless transition and maintain the integrity of the examination process across participating schools in Nigeria.
“The council is set for the conduct of the CB-WASSCE for School candidates in 2026, in Nigeria.
“The council, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, State Ministries of Education, the Nigeria Police Force, and other stakeholders, is fully prepared to deliver a credible CB-WASSCE for school candidates, 2026,” he said.
Dangut explained that in 2025, WAEC introduced its maiden computer-based WASSCE for school candidates, and said that while some schools enrolled for it, many opted for the traditional pen-and-paper mode.
However, in 2026, he revealed that not less than 250 schools have chosen the CB-WASSCE option due to its seamless nature, alignment with global best practices, and the success of last year’s edition.
“This is also in line with the recommendation of the Federal Ministry of
Education. In addition, some offshore schools, that is, schools in the neighbouring countries that use the WAEC syllabus, also opted for the computer-based WASSCE for school candidates, 2026.
“In our pursuit of leveraging modern Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to improve service delivery, the council has continued the serialisation of examination papers,” he noted.
He emphasised that the innovation ensures that no two candidates have the same question sequence, thereby upholding the academic and moral integrity of the National Policy on Education.
“This year, we have further refined this system to enhance its efficiency,” he said.
Besides, Dangut disclosed that the computer-based WASSCE for school candidates, 2026, commenced on Tuesday, April 21, with practicals, and will end on Friday, June 19, 2026.
“The examination covers a duration of eight weeks and three days. A total of 1,959,636 candidates from 24,207 schools enrolled for the examination.
“Of this number, 958,564 candidates (48.92 percent) are male, while 1,001,072 candidates (51.08 percent) are female. This reflects an increase in female participation and a decline in male participation compared to last year,” he stated.
Furthermore, he explained that candidates will be examined in 37 subjects, comprising 97 papers, and that about 29,000 senior secondary school teachers, nominated by various ministries of education, are participating as supervisors.
The head of the national office at WAEC Nigeria emphasised that the National Identification Number (NIN) was included in the registration process, in compliance with federal government directives.
Dangut said, considering the security challenges in some parts of the country. The council continues to partner with the Nigeria Police Force, all security outfits and state governments to provide security for the smooth conduct of the examination.
However, he said that the council decisively addresses examination malpractice.
“Penalties will be meted out to erring candidates, supervisors, and schools, as approved by the Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC).
“Parents and guardians are urged to encourage their wards to study diligently and avoid malpractice. Schools engaging in mass cheating will be de-recognised, officials punished, and candidates sanctioned,” he said.
WAEC also warns rogue website operators that the council will not condone their activities.
“Parents must avoid patronising them, as doing so jeopardises their children’s future. WAEC, in collaboration with the police, will track and prosecute offenders,” the council stated.
Moreover, Dangut assured that results will be released 45 days after the last paper, while certificates will be printed and issued to schools within 90 days.
“Digital copies of certificates will also be available via the WAEC Digital Certificate platform,” he said.
