WAEC Tightens Anti-Malpractice Measures as 1.9 Million Candidates Sit 2026 WASSCE

• WAEC says it has strengthened anti-malpractice measures for the 2026 computer-based WASSCE by introducing advanced question serialisation technology as over 1.9 million candidates sit for the examination across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

The West African Examinations Council has intensified measures aimed at protecting the integrity of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination, as 1,959,636 candidates participate in the examination across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

The Head of WAEC National Office, Amos Dangut, disclosed this during a news conference held at the council’s national office in Yaba on Monday.

Dangut explained that WAEC has strengthened its serialisation technology by ensuring that candidates receive examination questions in different sequences to reduce malpractice and preserve the credibility of the examination process.

“This innovation ensures that no two candidates have the same question sequence, thereby upholding the academic and moral integrity of the National Policy on Education,” he said.

According to him, the council has also expanded the use of the computer-based examination format following its successful introduction in 2025 and support from the Federal Ministry of Education.

Dangut noted that several schools in neighbouring countries operating the WAEC curriculum have also adopted the computer-based format, reflecting growing regional confidence in the system.

“This year, more 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,” he stated.

He revealed that the examination began on April 21 with practical papers and is expected to end on June 19.

“It’s covering a period of eight weeks and three days,” he added.

The WAEC official further disclosed that the 2026 examination figures include 958,564 male candidates and 1,001,072 female candidates, showing a higher level of female participation compared to previous years.

Dangut also confirmed that about 29,000 senior secondary school teachers nominated by various ministries of education are serving as supervisors for the examination nationwide.

“The council decisively addresses examination malpractice. Penalties will be meted out to erring candidates, supervisors, and schools, as approved by the Nigeria Examinations Committee,” he warned.

On security arrangements, Dangut acknowledged challenges in some parts of the country but assured candidates and stakeholders that WAEC is collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force, state governments, and other security agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.

DON’T MISS: BREAKING: JAMB Exempts Education, Agriculture Candidates From UTME

He also warned candidates, parents, and schools against patronising rogue websites and examination malpractice syndicates, stressing that offenders would be tracked and prosecuted alongside law enforcement agencies.

“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 added that WAEC results would be released 45 days after the final paper, while certificates would be issued within 90 days, including access to digital certificates through the council’s official platform.