The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2026 First Series of the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for private candidates.
The examination, conducted across Nigeria between January 28 and February 14, 2026, recorded a total of 10,523 registered candidates, reflecting an 11.49 per cent increase from 9,438 candidates in 2025.
Out of the total number of registered candidates, 10,480 sat for the examination across 166 centres nationwide.
The council disclosed that the marking of scripts and coordination of examiners were carried out at three centres located in Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna between February 26 and March 13, with 608 examiners participating in the process.
WAEC revealed that 43 candidates with special needs took part in the examination.
This included 11 visually impaired candidates, four with hearing impairments, and four albinos, with the council noting that adequate support was provided to ensure a smooth examination process for them.
A breakdown of participation showed that 5,106 candidates, representing 48.72 per cent, were male, while 5,374 candidates, accounting for 51.28 per cent, were female.
According to WAEC, 8,418 candidates, representing 80.32 per cent, have had their results fully processed and released.
However, 2,062 candidates, or 19.68 per cent, still have some of their results being processed due to errors traceable to them.
The council assured that efforts are ongoing to complete the processing without delay.
On candidates’ performance, 4,598 candidates, representing 43.87 per cent, obtained credit passes and above in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and Mathematics.
Meanwhile, 3,429 candidates, representing 32.72 per cent, secured credits in a minimum of five subjects, including both English Language and Mathematics.
Further analysis showed that among this category, 1,847 candidates (53.86 per cent) were male, while 1,582 candidates (46.14 per cent) were female.
WAEC noted that the performance reflects a marginal improvement compared to previous years, with 30.95 per cent recorded in 2024 and 26.96 per cent in 2025.
The examination body also disclosed that the results of 75 candidates, representing 0.72 per cent, have been withheld over alleged examination malpractice.
It added that investigations are ongoing and that affected candidates would be duly informed upon conclusion.
Candidates have been advised to check their results online via the WAEC results portal and proceed to access their digital certificates.
The council also noted that hard copies of certificates could be requested through its certificate portal.
WAEC commended candidates for their efforts and expressed appreciation to government agencies, security operatives, and other stakeholders in the education sector for their support in ensuring the successful conduct of the examination.
