Several schools have raised concerns over the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, questioning unexpectedly poor grades recorded by some high-performing students, particularly in English Language and Mathematics.
The concerns, which have also been expressed by parents and other education stakeholders, centre on alleged technical glitches and possible irregularities in the processing of results from the newly introduced computer-based examination.
Some schools reportedly argued that the results were inconsistent with the students’ academic records, mock examination performances and previous achievements, prompting calls for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to review results in affected cases.
However, the Head of the Nigeria National Office (HNO) of WAEC, Dr Amos Dangut, has dismissed suggestions that technical glitches compromised the 2026 examination results.
Dangut maintained that the council’s marking, processing and moderation procedures remained credible, urging schools, parents and other stakeholders with concerns to seek clarification directly from WAEC rather than rely on unverified claims circulating on social media.
He spoke during a virtual dialogue organised by the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN), themed, “Addressing Concerns over 2026 WASSCE Results, Other Matters.”
The WAEC official said the council had introduced major innovations into the conduct of the examination, including computer-based assessment, randomisation and serialisation of questions, as part of measures to strengthen the integrity of WASSCE.
According to him, the technology-driven approach has also contributed to a reduction in examination malpractice.
Dangut disclosed that the malpractice rate declined from 9.7 per cent in 2025 to 8.59 per cent in 2026, representing a reduction of about 1.1 percentage points.
He described the decline as one of the positive outcomes of the reforms introduced by WAEC to improve the credibility and security of its examinations.
“I can confidently tell the whole world that WAEC examination did not leak,” Dangut said, stressing that enhanced examination security had made it increasingly difficult for cybercriminals and fraudulent websites to obtain and circulate examination papers.
He explained that candidates who had previously depended on examination malpractice could consequently record poorer performances under the stricter examination regime.
The WAEC Nigeria National Office head, however, acknowledged that the transition to technology-driven assessment had presented some challenges.
He described the situation as a “two-edged sword”, noting that while the reforms had strengthened examination security and integrity, some candidates and other stakeholders had experienced difficulties adjusting to the new system.
Dangut also addressed concerns over logistical challenges during the examination, including reports that candidates at some centres were forced to continue writing their papers until late in the day.
He nevertheless maintained that the council remained committed to improving the examination process and addressing genuine concerns raised by candidates, schools, parents and other stakeholders.
