The West African Examinations Council has released the results of the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates, with 32.72 per cent achieving five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
In a statement issued on March 27, the examination body said the results reflect an improvement in performance compared to previous years.
The examination, conducted between January 28 and February 14, 2026, took place across 166 centres nationwide. Marking was carried out in Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna by 608 examiners.
A total of 10,523 candidates registered for the examination, representing an 11.49 per cent increase from 2025 figures. Of this number, 10,480 candidates eventually sat for the exams.
According to WAEC, 3,429 candidates, representing 32.72 per cent, secured credit passes in at least five subjects, including English and Mathematics. Additionally, 4,598 candidates, or 43.87 per cent, obtained five credits irrespective of whether English and Mathematics were included.
The latest performance marks a steady improvement, rising from 26.96 per cent in 2025 and 30.95 per cent in 2024 to 32.72 per cent in 2026.
The council also disclosed that 8,418 results, representing 80.32 per cent of total candidates, have been fully processed and released. However, 2,062 results, accounting for 19.68 per cent, are still being processed due to issues linked to candidates.
Meanwhile, 75 candidates, or 0.72 per cent, had their results withheld over alleged examination malpractice. WAEC said these cases are under investigation and will be reviewed by the appropriate committee for further action.
A breakdown of candidates by gender shows that 5,106 candidates (48.72 per cent) were male, while 5,374 (51.28 per cent) were female.
The CB-WASSCE remains a critical pathway for private candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria and across West Africa. In recent years, WAEC has expanded the use of computer-based testing as part of efforts to improve efficiency, reduce malpractice, and speed up result processing.
The council also continues to roll out digital certificate platforms, allowing candidates to access and verify their results online, in line with ongoing reforms to modernise the examination system.
