The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, revealing a pass rate of 61.54 percent. This represents a decline of 2.26 percentage points compared to the previous year's performance.
Key Results and Statistics
According to the Head of WAEC Nigeria, Dr. Josiah Dangut, who announced the results in Lagos, a total of 1,200,514 candidates obtained credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. This number represents 61.54 percent of the 1,950,726 candidates who sat for the examination.
This year's performance marks a slight decrease from the 2025 WASSCE, where 1,239,884 candidates, representing 62.96 percent, achieved the same benchmark. The drop indicates a growing challenge in maintaining academic standards across the region.
Result Processing and Special Needs Candidates
Dr. Dangut disclosed that the results of 1,834,695 candidates, representing 94.05 percent, have been processed and released. However, the results of 116,031 candidates, representing 5.95 percent, are still being processed due to various administrative reasons.
In a commendable move towards inclusivity, WAEC registered 1,213 candidates with special needs for the examination. This group includes 137 visually impaired candidates, 491 with hearing impairments, 55 spastic and mentally challenged candidates, and 41 physically challenged candidates. This shows the council's commitment to providing equal opportunities for all students.
Examination Malpractice and Withheld Results
The council withheld the results of 167,486 candidates, representing 8.59 percent of those who sat the examination, over alleged examination malpractice. Although this figure remains significant, Dr. Dangut noted it is lower than the 9.7 percent recorded in 2025, indicating a slight improvement in curbing malpractice.
Explaining the reasons for the withheld results, Dr. Dangut stated: "The increasing use of cell phones in the examination hall, in spite of the existing ban, and organised cheating in some schools are other nagging issues." This highlights the persistent challenges WAEC faces in ensuring the integrity of the examination process.
Actions Against Malpractice
In a firm stance against malpractice, the council has arrested some supervisors and invigilators who allegedly aided examination malpractice. Dr. Dangut added that these individuals will face disciplinary action through the relevant state ministries of education. This move underscores WAEC's determination to maintain the credibility of its examinations.
The release of the 2026 WASSCE results comes as a mixed bag for stakeholders. While the pass rate has declined, the reduction in malpractice cases and the inclusion of special needs candidates are positive signs. Educational authorities and schools are now called upon to address the factors contributing to the declining performance and to support students in achieving better outcomes in future examinations.
