Lagos: The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has withheld the results of 167,486 candidates who participated in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, due to suspected exam malpractice. Head of National Office (HNO), Dr. Amos Dangut, announced this during a news conference in Lagos, noting that the withheld results account for 8.59 per cent of the total candidates who took the Computer Based Test (CBT).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Dangut stated that the alleged malpractice cases are under investigation, with findings to be presented to the appropriate committee for final decisions. Affected candidates will be informed through their schools, and they have the option to contest the malpractice allegations via WAEC’s complaint website.
The examination saw participation from 1,959,668 candidates across 24,207 schools in Nigeria, along with candidates from Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, and Equatorial Guinea. Of those who sat for the exam, 1,834,695 candidates, representing 94.05 per cent, have had their results fully processed, while 116,031 candidates’ results are still being processed due to unresolved issues.
Dr. Dangut emphasized the notable technological advancements and anti-malpractice measures implemented during the 2026 WASSCE. WAEC introduced a Digital Examiner Marking System and transitioned from Smart Identity Cards to electronic PINs for result access, enhancing the examination process.
Despite challenges such as logistical delays, increased operational costs, and examination malpractice, Dr. Dangut affirmed that the 2026 WASSCE was largely successful. Special provisions were made for 1,213 candidates with varying degrees of special needs, ensuring their results were processed and released alongside others.
He also highlighted ongoing preparations for future examinations, with registration for the 2026 WASSCE for Private Candidates Second Series in progress and planning for the 2027 First Series set to begin shortly.