The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says it has intensified measures to protect the integrity of the 2026 computer-based WASSCE, as 1,959,636 candidates sit for the examination across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

The head of the WAEC National Office, Amos Dangut, disclosed this at the council’s national office in Yaba.

Mr Dangut said that WAEC has strengthened its serialisation technology by ensuring that candidates receive questions arranged differently, thereby reducing malpractice and preserving the integrity of examinations nationwide.

He said WAEC has equally strengthened its question serialisation system to ensure that candidates receive differently sequenced questions, reducing opportunities for collusion and 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.

He noted that the adoption of the computer-based examination has increased significantly this year, following its successful introduction in 2025 and strong support from the Federal Ministry of Education.

Mr Dangut explained that several schools in neighbouring countries that offer the WAEC syllabus have also opted for the computer-based format, reflecting growing regional confidence in the system.

“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,” he said.

The official noted that the examination, which began April 21 with practical papers, is scheduled to end June 19, adding, “It’s covering a period of eight weeks and three days.”

Mr Dangut revealed that the 2026 entry figures include 958,564 male candidates and 1,001,072 female candidates, noting an increase in female participation when compared to previous years.

He also confirmed that about 29,000 senior secondary school teachers, nominated by various ministries of education, are serving as supervisors for the conduct of the examination nationwide.

“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 added.

On security, Mr Dangut acknowledged ongoing challenges in some parts of the country but assured that the council is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, state governments, and other security agencies to ensure smooth conduct.

He warned candidates, parents, and schools against engaging rogue websites and malpractice syndicates, stating that offenders would be tracked and prosecuted in collaboration with 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 in 2026,” he said.

According to Mr Dangut, results will be released 45 days after the final paper, and certificates will be issued within 90 days, including access to digital certificates via the official platform.

(NAN)