By Marvellous Nyang
March 27, 2026
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates, first series, revealing a modest improvement in performance alongside a rise in participation nationwide.
The examination body disclosed that a total of 10,523 candidates registered for the exercise, representing an 11.49 per cent increase compared to the 2025 entry figure.
Out of this number, 10,480 candidates eventually sat for the examination across 166 centres in Nigeria, reflecting a high turnout rate despite the growing shift to computer-based testing.
Performance data released by WAEC shows that 3,429 candidates, representing 32.72 per cent, obtained credit passes in at least five subjects including English Language and Mathematics, the minimum requirement for admission into tertiary institutions.
ALSO READ: How to solve problems when human efforts fail, Pastor Tunde Jaiyebo reveals
This figure marks a notable improvement when compared with previous years, rising from 26.96 per cent in 2025 and 30.95 per cent in 2024, indicating a gradual upward trend in candidates’ academic performance.
A broader assessment of results shows that 4,598 candidates, representing 43.87 per cent, obtained credits in at least five subjects irrespective of English and Mathematics, suggesting a wider base of partial academic success.
Gender analysis indicates a relatively balanced performance, with male candidates slightly ahead among those who met the core benchmark, accounting for 53.86 per cent, while female candidates made up 46.14 per cent.
However, overall participation reflected a higher number of female candidates, with 5,374 females representing 51.28 per cent, compared to 5,106 males representing 48.72 per cent.
WAEC also highlighted its continued efforts at inclusivity, noting that 43 candidates with special needs, including visually impaired and hearing impaired individuals, took part in the examination with adequate support provided throughout the process.
On result processing, the council stated that 8,418 candidates, representing 80.32 per cent, have had their results fully processed and released, while 2,062 candidates still have some subjects pending due to errors traceable to them.
In addition, the results of 75 candidates, representing 0.72 per cent, have been withheld over allegations of examination malpractice, with investigations currently ongoing and final decisions to be communicated after due review.
The examination was conducted between January 28 and February 14, 2026, while marking took place between late February and mid March across designated centres in Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna, involving hundreds of examiners.
Candidates have been advised to check their results through the official WAEC portal and access digital copies of their certificates, reflecting the council’s continued transition towards digital service delivery.
The latest release underscores both progress and persistent gaps in Nigeria’s examination outcomes, with stakeholders expected to interrogate the relatively low benchmark pass rate while acknowledging the incremental gains recorded in the 2026 exercise.
