2026 WASSCE entry rises by 11% as 512,862 candidates sit exams

In 2026, the number of candidates who registered for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) surged by 11.07%, compared to the previous year. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) reported that a total of 512,862 candidates from 1,022 schools entered the examination, up from 461,736 candidates in 2025. The cohort consisted of 287,592 females and 225,270 males.

Out of the total entry, 5,049 candidates, accounting for 0.98% of participants, were absent from the examination. This marked a significant increase of more than 50,000 candidates compared to 2025.

According to WAEC’s provisional results, Social Studies emerged as the best-performing core subject, with 78.04% of candidates securing grades between A1 and C6. English Language and Integrated Science followed closely, with 62.40% and 62.08% of candidates obtaining grades within the same range, respectively. Mathematics (Core) recorded 60.75% of candidates achieving the same grade range.

WAEC's four-year statistics reveal fluctuations in performance across Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies between 2023 and 2026. However, English Language experienced a gradual decline in performance over the same period.

In a cautionary note, WAEC has warned candidates against fraudulent individuals who claim to offer result upgrading services for a fee. The Council urges candidates to utilize its official results verification system to avoid falling victim to such scams.