WAEC has upgraded its computer-based WASSCE system to stop cheating by ensuring no two candidates receive the same order of questions in the 2026 examination.
WAEC Unveils New Anti-Cheating Measures
Head of the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council, Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut, announced the move on Monday while briefing journalists in Lagos.
He said the council strengthened its computer-based examination system to protect the credibility of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
However, Dangut added that WAEC also improved its paper serialisation method first introduced in earlier exams.
He explained that the system changes question order for candidates, making copying and organised malpractice more difficult.
1.9 Million Candidates Registered
Meanwhile, Dangut said the ongoing Computer-Based WASSCE for school candidates started on April 21 with practical papers.
He added that the examination will end on June 19, covering eight weeks and three days.
According to him, 1,959,636 candidates from 24,207 schools registered for the examination.
That figure includes 958,564 males and 1,001,072 females, showing higher female participation than last year.
More Schools Embrace CBT
Furthermore, Dangut said more schools now accept the computer-based format after WAEC successfully conducted the first edition in 2025.
He added that offshore schools in neighbouring countries using the WAEC syllabus have also joined the system.
“In our pursuit of leveraging modern ICT to improve service delivery, the council has continued the serialisation of examination papers,” he stated.
“This innovation ensures that no two candidates have the same question sequence.”
37 Subjects, 29,000 Supervisors
Consequently, candidates will sit for 37 subjects covering 97 papers.
Dangut said about 29,000 senior secondary school teachers nominated by various Ministries of Education are serving as supervisors.
He also confirmed that the National Identification Number (NIN) now forms part of the registration process in line with federal government directives.
Parents Warned Over Rogue Websites
In response, Dangut cautioned parents against using rogue websites that claim to leak exam answers.
He said WAEC, working with security agencies, will trace and prosecute fraud operators.
He also listed digital tools introduced by the council, including WAEC digital certificate platform, WAEC Verify, WAEC Chatbot, Digital Examiners Marks System, Centre Locator, and the malpractice portal.
Result Release Date
Furthermore, WAEC said it will release results for the 2026 CB-WASSCE 45 days after the last paper.
The council will issue certificates to schools within 90 days, while candidates can access digital copies online.
Dangut said WAEC remains committed to delivering a credible examination with support from the Federal Ministry of Education, state ministries, and security agencies.
