The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has intensified efforts to safeguard the integrity of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) as 1,959,636 candidates across Nigeria and neighbouring countries sit for the examination.

Addressing journalists at the council’s national office in Yaba on Monday, the Head of WAEC National Office, Amos Dangut, said the council has strengthened its security and technology-driven systems to curb examination malpractice and ensure a credible assessment process.

Dangut explained that WAEC has enhanced its question serialisation technology, ensuring that candidates receive the same set of questions but in different orders. He noted that the upgraded system prevents collusion and reinforces fairness during the examination.

According to him, “This innovation ensures that no two candidates have the same question sequence, thereby upholding the academic and moral integrity expected under the National Policy on Education.”

He revealed that the adoption of the computer-based format has risen significantly this year, following its successful introduction in 2025 and the strong backing of the Federal Ministry of Education. Schools in neighbouring West African countries offering the WAEC syllabus have also embraced the CB-WASSCE, reflecting growing regional confidence in the format.

The 2026 examination, which commenced on April 21 with practical papers, will run until June 19, covering a total of eight weeks and three days.

Female Candidates Lead in Participation

WAEC’s entry statistics show 1,001,072 female candidates registered for the 2026 examination, compared to 958,564 male candidates, indicating continued growth in female participation.

Additionally, Dangut confirmed that approximately 29,000 senior secondary school teachers, nominated by state and federal education ministries, are serving as supervisors nationwide.

WAEC Vows Strict Action on Malpractice

Reiterating the council’s zero tolerance for exam malpractice, Dangut said severe penalties await any candidates, supervisors, or schools caught violating examination regulations, as provided by the Nigeria Examinations Committee.

He also warned against patronising rogue websites and syndicates promising leaked questions, stressing that WAEC is collaborating closely with security operatives to track and prosecute offenders.

Security Measures Strengthened

Dangut acknowledged security challenges in some regions but assured the public that WAEC is working hand-in-hand with the Nigeria Police Force, state governments, and other security agencies to guarantee a smooth and safe examination process.

He emphasised that the council, alongside the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, is fully prepared to deliver a credible and transparent CB-WASSCE.

Results and Certificates Timeline

WAEC projects that results will be released 45 days after the final paper, while certificates will be issued within 90 days, including digital access via its official platform.