2026 CB-WASSCE begins with enhanced anti-malpractice measures as WAEC prepares nearly two million candidates nationwide

The West African Examinations Council has intensified measures aimed at protecting the integrity of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination as 1,959,636 candidates sit for the examination across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Also read: WAEC Reports Modest Improvement in 2026 Private WASSCE Results

Head of the WAEC National Office, Amos Dangut, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the council’s national headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, on Monday.

Amos Dangut said the council had strengthened its question serialisation technology to ensure that candidates receive examination questions in different sequences, reducing opportunities for collusion and examination malpractice.

“This innovation ensures that no two candidates have the same question sequence, thereby upholding the academic and moral integrity of the National Policy on Education,” he said.

According to the examination body, the enhanced security framework forms part of broader efforts to preserve the credibility and transparency of the 2026 CB-WASSCE.

Amos Dangut noted that the adoption of the computer-based examination format has increased significantly following its successful introduction in 2025 and continued support from the Federal Ministry of Education.

He revealed that several schools in neighbouring countries operating the WAEC curriculum also opted for the computer-based format this year, reflecting growing confidence in the system across the region.

“This year, more schools have chosen the CB-WASSCE option due to its seamless nature, alignment with global best practices and the success of last year’s edition,” Amos Dangut stated.

The examination commenced on April 21 with practical papers and is expected to conclude on June 19, spanning a period of eight weeks and three days.

WAEC disclosed that the 2026 candidate population comprises 958,564 male candidates and 1,001,072 female candidates, indicating a notable increase in female participation compared to previous years.

Amos Dangut also confirmed that about 29,000 senior secondary school teachers nominated by different ministries of education are serving as supervisors for the nationwide examination exercise.

The examination body warned candidates, schools and parents against patronising rogue websites or engaging with examination malpractice syndicates.

“The council decisively addresses examination malpractice. Penalties will be meted out to erring candidates, supervisors and schools, as approved by the Nigeria Examinations Committee,” he warned.

On security concerns, Amos Dangut acknowledged ongoing challenges in parts of the country but assured that the council was collaborating closely with the Nigeria Police Force, state governments and other security agencies to guarantee a smooth conduct of the examination.

He added that offenders involved in examination fraud would be tracked and prosecuted in partnership with relevant law enforcement agencies.

“The council, in collaboration with the federal ministry of education, state ministries of education, the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders, is fully prepared to deliver a credible CB-WASSCE for school candidates 2026,” he said.

WAEC further announced that results for the examination would be released 45 days after the final paper, while certificates would be issued within 90 days, including digital access through the council’s official platform.

Also read: WAEC Launches Innovative Digital Certificate Service

The strengthened measures underscore WAEC’s determination to improve confidence in public examinations as digital testing continues to expand across Nigeria and the West African region.