The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced a 5.76 per cent improvement in performance in the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates, First Series.

According to a statement issued by the Council’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, 3,429 candidates, representing 32.72 per cent of the 10,480 candidates who sat the examination obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, the benchmark required for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The figure marks an increase when compared with previous years. In the 2024 and 2025 first series of the private candidates’ examination, 30.95 per cent and 26.96 per cent respectively achieved the same benchmark. “Thus, there is a marginal increase of 5.76 per cent in performance in this regard,” the statement noted.

Over 10,000 candidates sit examination

The examination was conducted between 28 January and 14 February across Nigeria. A total of 10,523 candidates registered, representing an 11.49 per cent increase from the 9,438 entries recorded in 2025.

Out of this number, 10,480 candidates sat the examination at 166 centres nationwide. Of the candidates who sat the examination, 5,106 were males (48.72 per cent) while 5,374 were females, representing 51.28 per cent.

Also, 43 candidates with special needs participated in the examination, including: eleven visually impaired candidates, four with hearing impairment and four albinos.

The council noted that adequate provisions were made to support them throughout the examination.

According to the statement, 8,418 candidates, representing 80.32 per cent, have had their results fully processed and released, while 2,062 candidates (19.68 per cent) are still awaiting full processing due to errors traceable to them.

Performance breakdown

Further analysis shows that 4,598 candidates (43.87 per cent) obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and Mathematics while 3,429 candidates (32.72 per cent) met the full requirement of five credits including English and Mathematics.

Of those who met the key benchmark, 1,847 (53.86 per cent) were male, while 1,582 (46.14 per cent) were female.

Results withheld over malpractice

The council disclosed that 75 candidates, representing 0.72 per cent, had their results withheld over alleged examination malpractice.

It stated that the cases are under investigation and that decisions will be communicated to affected candidates after review by the appropriate committee.

Result access and certification

Candidates have been advised to check their results via the WAEC results portal before accessing their digital certificates online.

According to the council, hard copies of certificates can be requested through the council’s certificate request portal (e-Certman).