WAEC Introduces New Anti-Malpractice Measures for 2026 CB-WASSCE
The West African Examinations Council has announced stronger measures to protect the credibility of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) as over 1.9 million candidates participate in the examination across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The Head of the WAEC National Office, Amos Dangut, disclosed this during a briefing held at the council’s national office in Yaba, Lagos.
According to Dangut, WAEC has improved its question serialisation technology to reduce examination malpractice. Under the upgraded system, candidates will receive questions arranged in different sequences, making it more difficult for students to copy answers or collaborate during the examination.
He explained that the innovation is aimed at strengthening the integrity and fairness of the examination process while supporting the objectives of Nigeria’s education policy.
WAEC also revealed that the adoption of the computer-based examination format has increased significantly in 2026 following the successful rollout of the system in 2025. The examination body credited the Federal Ministry of Education and participating schools for supporting the transition to digital assessment methods.
Dangut noted that several schools in neighbouring West African countries that follow the WAEC curriculum have equally embraced the computer-based format, showing growing regional confidence in the system.
He described the CB-WASSCE as more efficient, secure, and aligned with global educational standards. According to him, many schools preferred the format because of its smooth administration and improved examination monitoring process.
The 2026 WASSCE officially began on April 21 with practical examinations and is expected to conclude on June 19, covering a total period of eight weeks and three days.
WAEC disclosed that a total of 1,959,636 candidates registered for the examination. Out of this number, 958,564 are male candidates, while 1,001,072 are female candidates, indicating a higher level of female participation this year.
To ensure proper supervision nationwide, about 29,000 senior secondary school teachers nominated by different ministries of education have been deployed as examination supervisors.
The council also warned candidates, schools, and parents against engaging with examination malpractice syndicates and fraudulent websites claiming to provide leaked questions. WAEC stressed that offenders caught violating examination regulations would face strict disciplinary actions and possible prosecution.
Dangut added that the examination body is collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force, state governments, and other security agencies to address security concerns and ensure the smooth conduct of the examination across the country.
WAEC assured candidates that the 2026 CB-WASSCE would be conducted in a credible and transparent manner. The council further stated that examination results would be released within 45 days after the final paper, while certificates would be issued within 90 days, including access to digital certificates through the official WAEC platform.
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