The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has withheld the results of 167,486 candidates who sat the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, citing widespread examination malpractice. This figure represents 8.59% of the 1,950,726 candidates who took the exam, a slight decrease from the 9.7% recorded in 2025.
Official Announcement and Reasons
The Head of the WAEC Nigeria National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, made the announcement on Wednesday in Lagos during the official release of the results. According to Dangut, the primary reasons for the withheld results include the use of mobile phones in examination halls, despite a standing ban, and organised cheating in certain schools. He also noted that some supervisors and invigilators caught assisting candidates have been arrested and will face disciplinary measures through the relevant state ministries of education.
This year's withheld percentage is lower than last year's, indicating a possible improvement in exam conduct, but the issue remains significant. The council emphasised that the integrity of the examination process is paramount, and such measures are necessary to maintain standards.
Understanding 'Withheld' vs 'Cancelled'
A withheld result is not the same as a cancelled result. It means the candidate's performance is under active investigation, and a final decision rests with the Nigeria Examinations Committee following a review. Results are released if the candidate is cleared, but specific subjects or the entire result may be cancelled where malpractice is confirmed. This distinction is crucial for affected candidates to understand, as it affects their next steps.
The investigation process can take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case. Candidates are advised to remain patient and follow the proper channels to resolve their status.
Steps for Affected Candidates
Affected candidates are advised to stay calm, as a withheld result does not automatically lead to cancellation. The first step is to contact the school principal or examination officer, since schools typically receive official correspondence from WAEC and can help with guidance or representations. Schools can also provide support in preparing a defence if needed.
Candidates can also use the official WAEC Notice of Examinations Malpractice complaints portal at waecinternational.org/complaints, where they can enter their examination number to view the reason for the notice and submit a defence for the council's consideration. The portal should be checked periodically, including around four weeks after results are published. This is the only official online channel for such submissions.
Avoid Scams and Unverified Information
Candidates should rely only on verified WAEC channels, including its official website, verified social media accounts, and physical offices. WAEC has warned that agents, social media intermediaries, and third parties who claim they can release, upgrade, or fast-track withheld results are running scams. Such fraudulent activities are common during this period, and candidates should be vigilant.
Additionally, WAEC noted that candidates whose results remain unreleased because of their state's outstanding debt to the council are in a separate category from malpractice cases. These candidates are not under investigation for malpractice, but their results are withheld due to administrative reasons. Affected students and parents are urged not to rely on unverified lists or letters circulating online that claim specific schools' results have been mass-withheld.
Impact on Tertiary Admissions
In many instances, candidates with withheld results can still apply to tertiary institutions using an 'awaiting result' status, though the final result will be required for clearance and admission confirmation. This allows students to proceed with their applications while the investigation is ongoing, but they must ensure they meet deadlines for submitting final results.
The council's announcement has significant implications for the education sector, as it highlights the ongoing challenges of exam malpractice. However, the slight decrease in the percentage of withheld results suggests that measures to curb malpractice may be having some effect.
For further updates, candidates are advised to follow official WAEC announcements and avoid spreading unverified information. The council remains committed to ensuring the credibility of its examinations, and affected candidates are encouraged to cooperate fully with the investigation process.
