Several schools have expressed concerns over the recently released 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, particularly after some high-performing students reportedly received unexpectedly low grades in key subjects such as English Language and Mathematics.

The concerns have also been raised by some parents and education stakeholders, who are seeking explanations for results they believe do not reflect the academic performance of certain candidates.

According to reports, some schools claimed that the results of affected students differed significantly from their performance in school examinations, mock WASSCE tests and previous academic assessments. This has led to calls for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to investigate and review cases where schools or candidates believe there may have been errors.

WAEC Rejects Claims of Technical Glitches

However, WAEC has defended the integrity of the 2026 examination results, dismissing suggestions that technical glitches compromised the outcome.

The Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Dr Amos Dangut, said the council’s marking, processing and moderation procedures remained credible.

Dangut spoke during a virtual dialogue organised by the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN) under the theme, “Addressing Concerns over 2026 WASSCE Results, Other Matters.”

While acknowledging the concerns being expressed by schools and other stakeholders, he advised the public to seek clarification directly from WAEC instead of relying on unverified information circulating on social media.

WAEC Highlights Technology-Driven Examination Reforms

According to the WAEC Nigeria National Office, the examination council introduced several technological measures during the 2026 WASSCE as part of efforts to improve examination security and strengthen the credibility of the assessment process.

These measures included computer-based assessment, randomisation and serialisation of examination questions.

Dangut explained that the reforms were designed to make it more difficult for candidates and individuals involved in examination malpractice to manipulate the examination process.

He also said the increased use of technology had contributed to a reduction in examination malpractice.

Examination Malpractice Rate Declines

WAEC reported that the examination malpractice rate dropped from 9.7 per cent in 2025 to 8.59 per cent in 2026.

Dangut described the decline as one of the positive outcomes of the reforms implemented by the examination body.

He also strongly rejected claims that the 2026 WASSCE examination papers were leaked.

According to him, tighter security measures have made it increasingly difficult for cybercriminals and fraudulent websites to obtain and circulate examination questions.

Stricter Examination Conditions May Have Affected Some Candidates

Dangut suggested that candidates who previously depended on examination malpractice may have struggled under the stricter conditions introduced for the 2026 examination.

He explained that candidates were expected to demonstrate their actual knowledge and understanding rather than rely on unauthorised assistance.

However, he acknowledged that the transition to technology-driven examinations has presented challenges for some candidates and stakeholders.

He described the changes as a “two-edged sword”, explaining that although the reforms had strengthened examination security, some candidates and schools had experienced difficulties adjusting to the new system.

Concerns Over Examination Logistics

The WAEC official also addressed reports of logistical challenges during the examination.

In some centres, candidates reportedly had to remain at examination venues until late in the day because of difficulties associated with the conduct of the computer-based examination.

The concerns have added to the broader discussion surrounding the 2026 WASSCE and the transition towards technology-driven assessment.

As schools, parents and students continue to seek clarification over disputed results, the situation highlights the importance of transparent examination processes, effective communication and adequate preparation for technology-based assessments.

For candidates who believe their results may contain an error, stakeholders are encouraged to follow the appropriate channels provided by WAEC for clarification or review rather than relying solely on claims circulating online.

What the 2026 WASSCE Results Mean for Students and Schools

The controversy surrounding some 2026 WASSCE results also underscores the need for schools to prepare students for the changing nature of external examinations.

Beyond academic preparation, students increasingly need digital skills, familiarity with computer-based testing and the ability to work effectively under technology-driven examination conditions.

For schools, the development is another reminder of the importance of conducting regular mock examinations and helping students become comfortable with computer-based assessment before sitting for major external examinations.