WAEC Registers 56,000 Candidates for 2026 Private WASSCE as CBT Gains Ground

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that approximately 56,000 candidates registered for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, Second Series, as the examination body continues its transition to computer-based testing.

The Head of WAEC’s National Office in Nigeria, Suleiman Kum, disclosed the registration figure on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during an inspection of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) English Language examination in Lagos.

The inspection took place at the WAEC Training and Testing Centre on Ijaiye Road, Ogba, where candidates participated in the examination.

The registration figure highlights the continuing importance of the private-candidate examination to Nigerians seeking to obtain the WASSCE certificate, improve previous results or meet educational requirements for further studies.

Lagos Records More Than 22,000 Candidates

According to Kum, Lagos State accounted for more than 22,000 of the registered candidates, making it a significant contributor to the nationwide total.

He also disclosed that the registration figure included approximately 272 walk-in candidates who enrolled to remedy individual subjects.

Of the walk-in candidates, about 50 were recorded in Lagos State.

The private-candidate examination provides an opportunity for eligible individuals who are not participating in the regular school-candidate examination to sit for the required subjects.

Candidates may use the examination to improve their results, satisfy admission requirements or strengthen their qualifications for employment and other opportunities.

The latest registration figures demonstrate the continued demand for an alternative route to obtaining the senior secondary school certificate outside the regular school system.

WAEC Says CBT Is Reducing Examination Malpractice

Kum attributed improvements in examination security to the adoption of computer-based testing, saying the approach was helping to reduce examination malpractice and strengthen the credibility of the assessment process.

According to him, WAEC introduced CBT in 2024 and has continued to improve its implementation as part of efforts to promote transparency and protect the integrity of its examinations.

The WAEC official maintained that the computer-based approach had significantly reduced opportunities for malpractice.

He also explained that candidates were searched before entering examination halls to prevent them from bringing unauthorised materials into the examination environment.

Kum said the council’s objective was to prevent examination violations rather than create unnecessary difficulties for candidates.

He reaffirmed WAEC’s commitment to adopting innovations that would improve examination administration and sustain public confidence in the credibility of its certificates.

Candidates Advised to Study Past Questions and Marking Schemes

The WAEC National Office head urged candidates to prepare thoroughly for their examinations rather than depend on shortcuts or examination malpractice.

He advised them to study diligently, practise previous WAEC questions and marking schemes, and consult chief examiners’ reports.

According to Kum, chief examiners’ reports provide valuable information about candidates’ common mistakes, areas of strength and weaknesses, as well as the expectations of examiners when marking scripts.

Understanding these reports can help candidates improve their approach to answering questions, organise their responses more effectively and avoid errors that may cost them marks.

The advice also reinforces the importance of consistent preparation, subject mastery and familiarity with examination requirements.

Candidates preparing for future examinations should therefore combine regular study with practice under examination conditions.

What the Transition to Computer-Based Examinations Means for Candidates

WAEC’s continuing adoption of CBT represents an important change in how candidates interact with examination questions and submit their responses.

Unlike traditional paper-based examinations, computer-based tests require candidates to be comfortable using a computer, navigating examination software and managing their time on a digital platform.

Candidates who are unfamiliar with the format may need additional practice before sitting their examinations.

Tutorial centres, schools and individual candidates can help address this challenge by providing opportunities to practise computer-based questions before the examination.

Effective preparation should include familiarity with the examination interface, careful reading of instructions, accurate selection of answers and proper time management.

However, the success of the transition will also depend on adequate technical facilities, reliable computer systems, effective supervision and appropriate support for candidates who encounter technical difficulties.

Reducing malpractice remains important, but examination administrators must also ensure that candidates can demonstrate their knowledge under fair and consistent conditions.

Importance of Private WASSCE to Nigerian Students

The WASSCE for Private Candidates remains an important option for individuals who need to obtain or improve their senior secondary school qualifications.

It is particularly relevant to candidates who have completed secondary education but need additional credits to meet the requirements for university admission, polytechnic admission, colleges of education or other professional opportunities.

For some candidates, the examination provides an opportunity to address deficiencies in particular subjects. Others may use it to improve their overall academic records.

Nevertheless, candidates must carefully establish the subjects and grades required for their intended courses before registering for an examination.

Those seeking admission into Nigerian universities should also confirm the applicable requirements of their preferred institutions and programmes, as passing the WASSCE alone does not automatically guarantee admission.

Proper planning can help candidates avoid spending money on unnecessary subjects or discovering too late that they lack a required credit.

The Way Forward for WAEC and Candidates

The announcement of approximately 56,000 registrations places renewed attention on the need for effective examination management, adequate technical preparation and continued efforts to protect the credibility of Nigeria’s educational qualifications.

For WAEC, the challenge is to ensure that computer-based examinations remain secure, accessible and technically reliable as the system develops.

For candidates, the message is straightforward: thorough preparation, consistent practice and a clear understanding of examination requirements remain essential to success.

As the council continues to strengthen its use of technology, the quality of the examination experience will depend not only on reducing malpractice but also on ensuring that legitimate candidates receive a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities.

The latest registration figures show that the private-candidate examination continues to serve a substantial number of Nigerians pursuing academic and professional goals.

Akahi News will continue to provide updates on WAEC examinations, registration announcements and developments affecting candidates across Nigeria.