WASSCE records 32.72% pass rate

The West African Examinations Council has released the results of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates (First Series), recording a 32.72 per cent pass rate.

This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the Head of Public Affairs, WAEC Nigeria, Moyosola Adesina.

According to WAEC, out of the 10,523 candidates who sat the examination, 3,429—representing 32.72 per cent—obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. This marks the highest pass rate in three years, rising from 30.95 per cent in 2024 and 26.96 per cent in 2025.

WAEC noted that 4,598 candidates, representing 43.87 per cent, secured credits in a minimum of five subjects with or without English and Mathematics.

A breakdown of the results shows that of those who obtained credits in the core subjects, 1,847 (53.86 per cent) were male, while 1,582 (46.14 per cent) were female.

The examination body also reported that 8,418 candidates (80.32 per cent) had their full results processed, while 2,062 (19.68 per cent) had a few subjects still being reviewed due to errors.

Additionally, WAEC withheld the results of 75 candidates (0.72 per cent) over alleged examination malpractice. Investigations are ongoing, and affected candidates will be contacted.

The 2026 First Series CB-WASSCE was conducted nationwide between January 28 and February 14. A total of 10,523 candidates registered—an 11.49 per cent increase from the 9,438 candidates recorded in 2025—while 10,480 ultimately sat the exams across 166 centres.

WAEC also confirmed that 43 candidates with special needs participated, including 11 visually impaired, four hearing impaired, and four albino candidates, noting that adequate provisions were made for them.

The gender distribution of candidates indicates that 5,106 were male (48.72 per cent) and 5,374 were female (51.28 per cent).