Female Candidates Outnumber Males in 2026 WASSCE
Dr. Amos Dangut from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Nigeria reported that female candidates have surpassed their male counterparts in the upcoming 2026 West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Examination Schedule Released
Mr. Dangut made this announcement during a press conference held at the council’s national office in Yaba, Lagos, on Monday. The 2026 WASSCE is scheduled to commence on April 21 with a practical paper and conclude on June 19.
Increased Female Participation in Exams
According to Dr. Dangut, a total of 1,001,072 female candidates, which represents 51.08% of all registrants, will take part in the examination, compared to 958,564 male candidates, making up 48.92%. This indicates not only a rise in female participation but also a decline in male registrations compared to the previous year.
Candidate Registration and Subject Offerings
In total, 1,959,636 candidates from 24,207 schools have registered for the exam. Of these, 1,001,072 are female and 958,564 are male, showcasing a significant gender shift in participation. Candidates will be assessed in 37 subjects, comprising a total of 97 papers, with approximately 29,000 high school teachers designated as supervisors by the Ministry of Education.
Timely Results and Certificate Issuance
Dr. Dangut assured candidates that WAEC will release the results within 45 days of the last examination day. Certificates for successful candidates will be printed and distributed to schools within 90 days of the results announcement. Additionally, digital copies will be made available through WAEC’s digital certificate platform.
Adoption of Computer-Based Testing
This year marks an increased adoption of the computer-based WASSCE format among schools, a transition prompted by the success of the previous year’s initiative. Dr. Dangut noted that while some schools opted for traditional pen-and-paper exams last year, more institutions are embracing the computer-based model this year, aligning with global best practices and recommendations from the Federal Ministry of Education.
Integrity Measures in Examination Process
To enhance the integrity of the examination process and combat cheating, WAEC continues to serialize exam papers, ensuring no two candidates receive the same set of questions. Dr. Dangut emphasized that this measure maintains the academic integrity mandated by the National Education Policy. The council has further refined this system to improve its efficiency in 2026.
Extended Examination Duration
The 2026 WASSCE will span eight weeks and three days, providing ample time for candidates to complete their assessments. This extended period is designed to facilitate a thorough and organized examination experience for all participants.
