WAEC unveils measures to curb malpractice as 1.9m candidates sit for 2026 WASSCE

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has intensified measures to protect the integrity of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), as 1,959,636 candidates sit for the examination across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

The Head of WAEC National Office, Amos Dangut, disclosed this during a news conference at the council’s national office in Lagos on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Dangut said WAEC has strengthened its serialisation technology by ensuring candidates receive differently arranged questions, thereby reducing malpractice and preserving the integrity of examinations nationwide.

Dangut said WAEC has equally strengthened its question serialisation system to ensure that candidates receive differently sequenced questions, reducing opportunities for collusion and malpractice.

“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.

The WAEC boss noted that the adoption of the computer-based examination has increased significantly this year, following its successful introduction in 2025 and strong support from the Federal Ministry of Education.

Dangut explained that several schools in neighbouring countries offering the WAEC syllabus also opted for the computer-based format, reflecting growing regional confidence in the system.

Dangut said the examination, which began on April 21 with practical papers, is scheduled to end on June 19, adding: “It’s covering a period of eight weeks and three days.”

He revealed that the 2026 entry figures include 958,564 male candidates and 1,001,072 female candidates, noting an increase in female participation when compared to previous years.

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The WAEC boss also confirmed that about 29,000 senior secondary school teachers, nominated by various ministries of education, are serving as supervisors for the conduct of 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 added.

On security, Dangut acknowledged ongoing challenges in some parts of the country but assured that the council is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, state governments, and other security agencies to ensure smooth conduct.

He warned candidates, parents, and schools against engaging rogue websites and malpractice syndicates, stating that offenders would be tracked and prosecuted in collaboration with the law enforcement agencies.

According to Dangut, results will be released 45 days after the final paper, and certificates issued within 90 days, including access to digital certificates via the examination body’s official platform.