WAEC Unveils Official 2026 CB-WASSCE Examination Schedule for Private Candidates
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the comprehensive timetable for the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates across Nigeria. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the examination body's ongoing transition toward digital assessment methods.
Examination Commencement and Key Subject Dates
According to the detailed schedule published by WAEC, the 2026 CB-WASSCE series will officially commence on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The opening examinations will focus on indigenous language subjects, specifically Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba languages, reflecting the council's commitment to preserving Nigeria's rich linguistic heritage within the educational framework.
The examination body has strategically scheduled core subjects throughout the examination period. General Mathematics, a fundamental subject for most candidates, is slated for Saturday, January 31, 2026. English Language, another critical component of the examination, will follow on Saturday, February 7, 2026, allowing candidates adequate preparation time between these essential papers.
Science and Additional Subject Arrangements
For science-oriented candidates, the timetable includes specific dates for crucial subjects. Biology will be the first general subject examined on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Physics examinations are scheduled for Thursday, February 5, 2026, while Chemistry will take place on Monday, February 9, 2026. This staggered approach aims to provide candidates with balanced preparation opportunities across scientific disciplines.
Additional important subjects feature throughout the examination calendar. Economics is scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 2026, while Agricultural Science, Geography, and Further Mathematics will be examined on Tuesday, February 3, February 6, and February 11, 2026 respectively. This comprehensive scheduling ensures all subject areas receive appropriate examination slots.
Context and Public Response
The release of this timetable occurs amidst ongoing discussions about WAEC's transition to computer-based testing. The House of Representatives recently directed the federal government to suspend WAEC's CBT implementation plan for the 2026 WASSCE, citing concerns about inadequate infrastructure in many Nigerian schools. Lawmakers expressed worries about insufficient computer access, unreliable internet connectivity, and limited qualified instructors, potentially creating disadvantages for numerous students.
Public reaction to the timetable announcement has been mixed across social media platforms. Some candidates expressed concerns about the proximity of examination dates, while others raised questions about pending administrative matters with the examination body. These responses highlight the complex relationship between examination scheduling and candidate preparedness in Nigeria's educational landscape.
Transition to Computer-Based Assessment
WAEC's move toward computer-based testing represents a significant shift in examination methodology. The council previously announced that the CBT model would debut in February 2024 for private candidates, featuring fully computer-based objective tests with hybrid formats for Essay and Test of Practical papers. This technological advancement aims to modernize assessment processes while potentially improving efficiency and security in examination administration.
The examination body has extended best wishes to all private candidates undertaking the 2026 CB-WASSCE, encouraging thorough preparation and adherence to examination guidelines. As Nigeria's educational system continues evolving, this timetable release provides crucial information for thousands of candidates planning their academic trajectories through this important certification pathway.
