With 80.32% results released, 3,429 pass Maths, English; 75 withheld over malpractices

2026-03-27 - 18:34

By Elizabeth Osayande The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has released results for the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination, CB-WASSCE, for Private Candidates, 2026 – First Series. 43.87% (4,598) got credit and above in at least five subjects, while 3,429 candidates (32.72%) secured credits in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. Notably, male candidates accounted for 53.86% of those achieving this benchmark, while female candidates made up 46.14%. The increase in successful candidates compared to previous years is significant, with a 5.76% rise in those achieving a minimum of five credits, including English and Mathematics. With 80.32% of results fully processed, WAEC confirmed that only 0.72% of candidates had their results withheld due to examination malpractice. According to a WAEC spokesperson, Moyosola F. Adesina: “This is a testament to the hard work and integrity of the majority of our candidates. “We remain committed to ensuring the highest standards in the examination process.” The exam The examination was conducted in Nigeria from January 28 to February 14, 2026, with meticulous coordination and marking carried out at three venues in Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna. A total of 608 examiners participated in this extensive exercise. A significant increase in enrollment was noted, as 10,523 candidates registered for the examination, representing an 11.49% rise compared to the 2025 figure of 9,438. Of these, 10,480 candidates sat for the examination at 166 centres nationwide. “The steady increase in enrollment is encouraging,” commented the WAEC Director of Examinations. “It shows that more students are recognising the value of our examinations in furthering their education.” Among the candidates, 43 special needs candidates were accommodated, including 11 visually impaired individuals and several candidates with impaired hearing and albinism. “We believe in inclusivity; every candidate deserves a fair chance to succeed,” the WAEC spokesperson emphasised. “Despite the overall success, 75 candidates’ results (0.72%) have been withheld as they are currently under investigation for various reported cases of examination malpractices. “These cases are taken seriously,” assured the WAEC Director. “Investigations are underway, and outcomes will be communicated directly to the candidates involved.” How to check results Candidates can check their results at www.waecdirect.org and access digital certificate copies at www.waec.org. The WAEC Certificate Request Portal (e-Certman) is available for those who wish to print hard copies of their certificates. In a congratulatory message to the candidates, the WAEC praised their hard work: “We acknowledge the diligence of our candidates who have persevered through challenges to achieve these results. We also extend our gratitude to the government, security agencies, Ministry of Education personnel, and all others who played a role in ensuring a successful examination process. Your commitment has not gone unnoticed.” Breakdown of the results TEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE (10,523) candidates, representing an 11.49% increase, when compared with the 2025 entry figure of NINE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHT (9,438), enrolled for the examination, while TEN THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY (10,480) candidates sat the examination at ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SIX (166) centres spread across the country. Among the candidates who sat the examination, FORTY-THREE (43) candidates, with varying degrees of Special Needs, registered for the examination. Out of this number, ELEVEN (11) were visually impaired, FOUR (4) had impaired hearing and FOUR (4) were Albinos. All candidates with special needs were adequately accommodated in the administration of the examination. Of the total number of TEN THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY (10,480) candidates that sat the examination, FIVE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND SIX (5,106) were males while FIVE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FOUR (5,374) were females, representing 48.72% and 51.28% respectively. Out of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, EIGHT THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTEEN (8,418) candidates, representing 80.32% have their results fully processed and released while TWO THOUSAND AND SIXTY-TWO (2,062) candidates, representing 19.68 % have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors traceable to them. However, efforts are being made to speedily complete the processing to enable all the affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released, subsequently. The analysis of the statistics of the candidates’ performance shows that out of the TEN THOUSAND, FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHTY (10,480) candidates that sat the examination: FOUR THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND NINETY-EIGHT (4,598) candidates representing 43.87% obtained credit and above in a minimum of FIVE (5) subjects (with or without English Language and/or Mathematics); THREE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND TWENTY-NINE (3,429) candidates representing 32.72% obtained credit and above in a minimum of FIVE (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics Of this number, ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND FORTY-SEVEN (1,847), i.e., 53.86%, were male candidates, while ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-TWO (1,582), i.e., 46.14%, were female candidates. The percentage of candidates in this category in the WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2024 and 2025 – First Series, that is, those who obtained credit and above in a minimum of five (5) subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, were 30.95% and 26.96% respectively. Thus, there is a marginal increase of 5.76% in performance in this regard. Furthermore, SEVENTY-FIVE (75) Candidates’ results, representing 0.72% of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, are being withheld in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice. The cases are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate Committee of the Council for determination. The Committee’s decisions will be communicated directly to the affected candidates, thereafter.