- Defends CBT, Warns Against Exam Fraud
By Theresa Moses
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for School Candidates, announcing that 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54 per cent, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, by the Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, FSTAN, MNIM, RAS, during a press briefing held at the Council’s National Office in Yaba, Lagos.
The briefing also marked an emotional milestone for Dr. Dangut, who described the release as his third and final WASSCE result presentation before leaving office after two years and ten months as Head of the Nigeria National Office.
“CB-WASSCE Is My Greatest Achievement” – Dangut
Addressing journalists, Dr. Dangut described the successful implementation of computer-based examinations as the defining achievement of his tenure.
He noted that under his leadership, WAEC became the first examination body in Africa and among the first globally to conduct an achievement test using full computer-based technology.
According to him, the transition began with the CB-WASSCE for Private Candidates in 2024, expanded through subsequent private candidate examinations and culminated in the successful conduct of the 2026 Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates.
“If you wake me up while sleeping, I can still speak confidently about computer-based WASSCE because that remains my greatest achievement,” he said.
He explained that extensive pilot studies conducted before implementation showed overwhelming acceptance of the CBT model by candidates.
“We carried out several studies and they all indicated that candidates are comfortable with computer-based assessment.”
Dr. Dangut stressed that unlike other computer-based examinations in Nigeria, WAEC’s examination is an achievement test, making the Council’s accomplishment unprecedented.
WAEC Defends Computer-Based Examination
Responding to concerns about technology, electricity and internet challenges, Dr. Dangut dismissed fears that CBT cannot succeed in Nigeria.
According to him, apart from one temporary internet challenge experienced in a location in North-East Nigeria—which was resolved within about thirty minutes—the examination recorded no significant technological failures.
He explained that all CBT centres were required to have multiple power sources to guarantee uninterrupted examinations.
“We ensure every centre has alternative power arrangements. Once one source fails, another immediately takes over.”
He further revealed that malpractice levels recorded in CBT centres remained below one per cent, which aligns with internationally accepted standards.
“In contrast, overall examination malpractice for this examination stands at over eight per cent.”
He therefore advocated a complete migration to computer-based examinations nationwide.
“We have already conducted practical pilots involving essay papers using computers. Today we have attained 100 per cent capability to conduct both objective and essay examinations electronically.”
Dr. Dangut urged governments and school owners to invest in tablets and digital infrastructure, arguing that tablets are cheaper and more practical than desktop computers.
“I strongly advocate that Nigeria should migrate fully to computer-based assessment.”
Government to Decide 2027 Examination Format
When asked whether CBT would become compulsory in 2027, Dr. Dangut explained that the Federal Government currently allows schools to choose between computer-based and paper-based examinations.
He said the final decision for future examinations rests with government.
“Our responsibility is to advise. Whatever directive government gives, WAEC will implement.”
Over 1.95 Million Candidates Sat Examination
Dr. Dangut disclosed that:
– 1,959,668 candidates from 24,207 schools registered.
– 1,950,726 candidates eventually sat the examination.
– The examination also covered Nigerian curriculum schools in Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea.
The examination lasted eight weeks and one day, from April 24 to June 19, 2026.
Special Needs Candidates Fully Accommodated
WAEC said 1,213 candidates with special needs registered for the examination.
This includes:
– 137 visually impaired candidates
– 491 hearing impaired candidates
– 55 spastic and mentally challenged candidates
– 41 physically challenged candidates
According to Dr. Dangut, all were adequately catered for during the examination, and their results have been released alongside others.
Breakdown of Candidates
Out of the candidates that sat the examination:
– 953,459 were male (48.88%)
– 997,267 were female (51.12%)
Results Released
WAEC announced that:
– 1,834,695 candidates (94.05%) have had their results fully processed and released.
– 116,031 candidates (5.95%) still have one or more subjects under processing due to unresolved issues.
Dr. Dangut assured affected candidates that the outstanding results would be released within a few days.
Performance Statistics
According to WAEC:
– 1,687,378 candidates (86.50%) obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, with or without English and Mathematics.
– 1,200,514 candidates (61.54%) obtained five credits including English Language and Mathematics.
Gender distribution among successful candidates:
– Male: 558,883 (28.65%)
– Female: 641,631 (32.89%)
Dr. Dangut revealed that the 2026 performance reflects a 1.42 per cent decline compared to 2025.
167,486 Results Withheld Over Examination Malpractice
WAEC disclosed that 167,486 candidates, representing 8.59 per cent, currently have their results withheld over allegations of examination malpractice.
However, Dr. Dangut noted that the figure represents an improvement from 9.70 per cent recorded in 2025.
He identified mobile phone usage and organised cheating syndicates as the major concerns.
All malpractice cases, he said, will be investigated by the Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC), while affected candidates can now appeal through WAEC’s online complaints platform.
Rogue Websites Selling Fake Examination Questions
Dr. Dangut strongly condemned rogue websites and cyber fraudsters who exploit students by selling fake examination questions.
He accused the operators of turning examination periods into “cash cows.”
“They manipulate candidates through cyber deception and even circulate fake messages in WAEC’s name.”
He disclosed that security agencies have already arrested some suspects, while supervisors and invigilators found aiding examination malpractice have also been sanctioned.
Clarifies Difference Between Leakage and Foreknowledge
Responding to questions from journalists, Dr. Dangut explained the distinction between examination leakage and foreknowledge.
According to him, leakage occurs when examination papers become available one or more days before the scheduled examination.
Foreknowledge, he explained, occurs shortly before an examination begins when compromised officials secretly photograph question papers after collecting sealed envelopes and transmit them electronically to selected candidates.
He narrated instances where examination envelopes had been carefully cut open from behind, photographed, resealed with transparent adhesive and delivered unnoticed.
He therefore urged principals and supervisors to carefully inspect examination packets before opening them.
Challenges Encountered During 2026 Examination
Dr. Dangut listed major challenges encountered during the conduct of the examination.
Logistics
He acknowledged delays experienced in one major paper but appreciated parents and candidates for exercising patience.
Registration Deadlines
He described schools’ failure to upload Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) and late registration as one of WAEC’s greatest administrative headaches.
He warned that examination registration cannot remain open indefinitely because examination materials are produced months ahead.
Inflation
According to him, rising inflation has significantly increased the cost of conducting examinations nationwide.
Examination Fraud
He lamented increasing sophistication among fraud syndicates and reiterated WAEC’s determination to continue collaborating with security agencies.
WAEC Introduces Easier Result Access
To improve candidates’ access to results, WAEC has discontinued printing Smart Identity Cards containing scratch PINs.
Candidates can now generate result-checking PINs online using the Digital Certificate platform.
To retrieve a PIN, candidates are required to:
– Visit www.waec.org
– Select “Serial Number and PIN”
– Enter examination year and examination number
– Supply the National Identification Number (NIN) used during registration
– Verify via One-Time Password (OTP)
Candidates who exhaust the five free attempts can purchase additional PINs at WAEC offices.
Results are expected to become available online within 12 hours of the announcement.
Digital certificates can also be generated approximately 48 hours after results become available.
Hard copy certificates will be ready within 90 days.
States Owing WAEC Will Not Receive Results
Dr. Dangut reiterated that candidates sponsored by state governments indebted to WAEC would not have their results released until outstanding payments are settled.
Although he declined naming indebted states because payments remain dynamic, he appealed to affected governments to fulfil their financial obligations promptly.
WAEC Explains Examination Fees
Responding to questions regarding examination charges, Dr. Dangut clarified that the ₦37,000 registration fee announced applies to the ongoing WASSCE for Private Candidates (Second Series).
He explained that the cost of CBT centres alone averages about ₦2,000 per examination session, while science candidates typically require about 13 sessions, amounting to approximately ₦26,000 before other operational costs.
According to him, technology deployment is expensive in the short and medium term.
“You only begin to see cost reductions in the long run.”
On allegations that some schools charge parents above official fees, Dr. Dangut urged parents to demand detailed breakdowns whenever schools request additional payments.
“If a school charges beyond the approved examination fee, parents have every right to ask what the extra money is for.”
WAEC Learning Resources Available
The Council encouraged candidates to prepare adequately using officially approved learning materials rather than relying on examination malpractice.
Available resources include:
– WAEC Compiled Past Questions and Answers (Hard Copies)
– WAEC e-Study Platform
– Chief Examiners’ Reports
– WAECKonnect Mobile App
– Digital Past Questions
– WAEC Chatbot
– WAEC Verify
– Computer-Based Testing Services
Dr. Dangut stressed that these materials were specifically developed to improve candidates’ performance.
“You cannot go to the farm without a hoe.”
Private Candidate Registration Ongoing
WAEC announced that registration for the 2026 WASSCE for Private Candidates (Second Series), which commenced on May 4, 2026, remains open.
Registration costs ₦37,000, with an additional ₦500 commission payable to sales agents.
Candidates are required to provide their National Identification Number (NIN).
The Council also announced that 2027 First Series Private Candidates Examination will immediately follow the second series to reduce waiting periods for tertiary admissions.
Emotional Farewell
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Dangut admitted that his greatest disappointment was the continued resistance by some stakeholders to technological innovation.
“My biggest regret is people’s reluctance to embrace change.”
He expressed confidence that WAEC would continue shortening result release timelines through continuous innovation.
Concluding the briefing, Dr. Dangut expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Education, state governments, security agencies, supervisors, examiners, education stakeholders and members of the media for supporting the successful conduct of the 2026 WASSCE.
He attributed the Council’s achievements to divine grace and reaffirmed WAEC’s commitment to integrity, innovation and quality assessment.
“We give God Almighty all the glory for always being with us and granting us the grace to carry on.”
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