WAEC records 56,000 registrations for 2026 private WASSCE, says CBT reduces malpractice

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reported a significant increase in registration numbers for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, Second Series, with over 56,000 candidates enrolling. According to Suleiman Kum, the Head of WAEC's National Office, the registrations include 272 candidates who opted to walk in and sit for individual subjects. Lagos State accounted for more than 22,000 candidates, including approximately 50 walk-in candidates.

Kum highlighted that the adoption of computer-based testing (CBT) is playing a crucial role in reducing examination malpractice, enhancing the credibility of exams, and promoting transparency. WAEC introduced CBT in 2024, and Kum emphasized that continuous improvements are being made to further minimize malpractice. To prevent candidates from bringing prohibited materials into the examination halls, they are searched before entering.

Kum provided advice to the candidates, urging them to study diligently, practice past WAEC questions and marking schemes, and consult chief examiners’ reports. He explained that these reports provide valuable insights into candidates' strengths and weaknesses and offer explanations on how questions should be answered. The announcement of the high registration numbers arrives amid a leadership transition at WAEC, following changes in two key positions within the council.

Suleiman Kum assumed the role of the new Head of WAEC's Nigeria National Office in October 2026, succeeding Amos Dangut, who was appointed as the council's Registrar and Chief Executive Officer for a five-year term starting from October 1, 2026, and ending in September 2031. Dangut had previously served as Head of WAEC's Nigeria National Office since October 2023.