The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the release of results for the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for Private Candidates, First Series, revealing a notable improvement in candidates’ performance.
According to the examination body, 3,429 candidates, representing 32.72 percent of the total number who sat for the examination, obtained credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics — a key benchmark for academic and career advancement. This marks a 5.76 percent increase compared to performance figures recorded in 2024 and 2025.
In a broader performance category, 4,598 candidates, representing 43.87 percent, achieved credits in five subjects with or without English Language and Mathematics.
A breakdown of the results shows that male candidates slightly outperformed their female counterparts in the core benchmark category, accounting for 53.86 percent, while female candidates made up 46.14 percent.
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Out of the 10,523 candidates who registered for the examination — an 11.49 percent increase from the 9,438 recorded in 2025 — a total of 10,480 candidates sat for the exam across 166 centres nationwide. Of these, 8,418 candidates (80.32 percent) have had their results fully processed and released, while 2,062 candidates (19.68 percent) are still awaiting the completion of processing due to identified errors.
WAEC disclosed that 75 candidates, representing 0.72 percent of the total, had their results withheld over alleged examination malpractice. The council noted that investigations are ongoing and assured that outcomes would be communicated directly to the affected candidates.
Speaking on the development, WAEC spokesperson Moyosola F. Adesina described the results as a reflection of candidates’ dedication and adherence to examination standards.
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“This is a testament to the hard work and integrity of the majority of our candidates. We remain committed to ensuring the highest standards in the examination process,” she said.
The examination, conducted between January 28 and February 14, 2026, involved 608 examiners and was coordinated and marked at designated centres in Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna.
WAEC also highlighted its commitment to inclusivity, noting that 43 candidates with special needs — including visually impaired individuals, candidates with hearing impairments, and persons with albinism — were adequately accommodated during the examination.
The council attributed the steady rise in enrollment to increased recognition of the value of its certification in educational and professional advancement.
Candidates have been advised to check their results online via the WAEC result portal, while digital certificates are available through the council’s e-Certman platform.
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WAEC commended stakeholders, including government agencies, security operatives, and education officials, for their roles in ensuring a smooth and credible examination process.
With the improved performance and increased participation, the 2026 CB-WASSCE results signal a positive trajectory in Nigeria’s private candidate examination landscape.
