The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that a total of 1,959,636 candidates from 24,207 schools are participating in the ongoing Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for school candidates. This marks a significant milestone in the adoption of digital examination methods in Nigeria.
Gender Distribution and Participation
Amos Dangut, the Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, disclosed these figures while addressing journalists in Lagos. He revealed that 958,564 candidates, representing 48.92 percent, are male, while 1,001,072 candidates, accounting for 51.08 percent, are female. This indicates a notable increase in female participation compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in education.
The examination, which spans eight weeks and three days, is scheduled to conclude on June 19. Dangut noted that more schools have adopted the computer-based examination mode this year, following the success of its maiden edition in 2025 and recommendations from the Federal Ministry of Education.
Expansion and Security Measures
In an expansion of the examination's reach, Dangut revealed that some offshore schools in neighbouring countries using the WAEC syllabus have enrolled for the CB-WASSCE. This underscores the growing acceptance and credibility of the computer-based format beyond Nigeria's borders.
Speaking on innovations introduced by the council, Dangut explained that examination papers have been serialised to ensure that no two candidates receive the same question sequence. This initiative is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the examination process and reducing malpractice. Additionally, the National Identification Number (NIN) was included in the registration process in compliance with Federal Government directives.
Supervision and Security Collaboration
Approximately 29,000 senior secondary school teachers, nominated by various ministries of education, are serving as supervisors during the examination. Dangut acknowledged the challenges posed by insecurity in some parts of the country but assured that WAEC is collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force, security agencies, and state governments to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.
He warned candidates, supervisors, and schools against involvement in examination malpractice, stressing that offenders would face sanctions approved by the Nigeria Examinations Committee. Dangut further cautioned parents against patronising rogue websites allegedly involved in examination fraud, adding that WAEC would work with the police to track and prosecute offenders.
Digital Innovations and Resources
Highlighting some of the council's new innovations, Dangut listed the digital certificate platform, WAEC Verify, WAEC chatbot, centre locator, and examination malpractice portal among services introduced to improve efficiency and accessibility. He also encouraged candidates to utilise educational resources provided by the council, which include the WAEC E-Study Portal, WAEC E-Learning Portal, Chief Examiners' Reports, and past question materials.
Result Release Schedule
Dangut disclosed that results for the examination would be released 45 days after the last paper, while certificates would be printed and distributed to schools within 90 days. He assured stakeholders that the council, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and security agencies, remains committed to conducting a credible examination nationwide.
