March 27, (THEWILL) — The West African Examinations Council has reinforced its commitment to digital transformation in education with the release of the 2026 First Series results of the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates—within just 12 hours after completion.
WAEC, in a statement signed by its Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, disclosed that 10,480 candidates sat the examination at 166 centres spread across the country.
The council described the rapid release as a milestone achievement made possible through the adoption of technology-driven examination processes.
“The result of CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2026–First Series has been released. Candidates can access their results within the next 12 hours. Our thanks to all stakeholders for cooperating with us to achieve this feat,” the council stated.
Further details released by WAEC show that 10,523 candidates registered for the examination—an 11.49 per cent increase from the 9,438 recorded in 2025—while 10,480 candidates eventually sat for the exam across 166 centres nationwide.
Of the candidates, 5,106 were male (48.72 per cent) and 5,374 female (51.28 per cent), reflecting a slightly higher female participation.
Notably, 43 candidates with special needs were accommodated, including 11 visually impaired candidates, four with hearing impairments, and four albinos, underscoring WAEC’s inclusive approach to examination administration.
The examination, conducted between January 28 and February 14, 2026, involved 608 examiners who participated in the coordination and marking of scripts across Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna.
WAEC disclosed that 8,418 candidates, representing 80.32 per cent, have had their results fully processed and released, while 2,062 candidates (19.68 per cent) still have some subjects being processed due to issues traceable to them.
The council assured that efforts are ongoing to complete the processing promptly.
Performance analysis indicates encouraging outcomes. A total of 4,598 candidates (43.87 per cent) obtained credits in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and Mathematics.
More significantly, 3,429 candidates, representing 32.72 per cent, achieved five credits including both English Language and Mathematics—a key benchmark for academic and career progression.
A gender breakdown of this category shows that 1,847 (53.86 per cent) were male candidates, while 1,582 (46.14 per cent) were female.
WAEC noted that this represents a steady improvement compared to 30.95 per cent in 2024 and 26.96 per cent in 2025, indicating a positive upward trend in candidate performance.
However, the council revealed that 75 candidates’ results, accounting for 0.72 per cent, have been withheld over allegations of examination malpractice.
WAEC stated that investigations are ongoing, and outcomes will be communicated to affected candidates in due course.
Candidates have been advised to check their results via WAEC’s official platforms and proceed to access their digital certificates online. Hard copies can also be requested through the council’s certificate portal.
Commending all candidates, WAEC lauded those who performed well and expressed appreciation to stakeholders—including government agencies, security personnel, educators, and examination officials—for their roles in ensuring the smooth conduct and timely release of results.
The council emphasised that the successful rollout of the CB-WASSCE and the swift release of results signal a new era of efficiency, transparency, and innovation in Nigeria’s examination system.
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