WAEC releases 2026 first series private candidate results, pass rate rises to 32.72%

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2026 first series Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates, recording a slight improvement in the number of students obtaining credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola F. Adesina, confirmed the announcement from the council’s headquarters in Yaba on Friday, noting that the examinations were conducted across 166 centres in Nigeria between January 28 and February 14.

A total of 10,480 candidates sat for the examination, with 3,429 candidates — representing 32.72 per cent — securing credits and above in a minimum of five subjects including English and Mathematics. This marks a 5.76 per cent improvement over the 26.96 per cent pass rate recorded in the 2025 first series.

Adesina highlighted that 43 candidates with special needs participated, with the council providing support for 11 visually impaired candidates, four with hearing impairments, and four albinos during the examination process.

Of the total candidates, 8,418 (80.32 per cent) have had their results fully processed, while 2,062 candidates are awaiting the processing of a few subjects due to candidate-related errors. However, WAEC has withheld results for 75 candidates (0.72 per cent) over cases of alleged examination malpractice, which are under investigation.

“The cases are being investigated, and reports will be presented to the appropriate Committee of the Council for determination. Decisions will be communicated directly to affected candidates thereafter,” Adesina said.

Candidates have been advised to visit the official WAEC website to check their results and access digital copies of their certificates, which have been released alongside the results.

The marking and coordination of the examination scripts were carried out at three centres in Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna, with 608 examiners participating between February 26 and March 13.

WAEC commended the commitment of its staff and examiners, stating, “The results are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and examiners. We wish all the candidates the best in their future endeavours.”