WAEC withholds 167,486 WASSCE results over malpractice allegations

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has withheld the results of 167,486 candidates who took the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, citing alleged examination malpractice.

This number accounts for 8.59% of the 1,950,726 candidates who participated in the exam, marking a slight decrease from the 9.7% recorded in 2025. Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of the WAEC Nigeria National Office, announced the results, attributing the withheld scores to factors such as the continued use of mobile phones in examination halls despite a ban and organized cheating incidents in some schools.

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The increasing use of mobile phones in examination halls despite an existing ban, as well as organised cheating in some schools, as key reasons for the withheld results.

Supervisors and invigilators found aiding candidates have been arrested and will face disciplinary action. WAEC clarified that a "withheld" status signifies that a result is under investigation, distinct from cancellation, with final decisions pending review by the Nigeria Examinations Committee.

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A “withheld” status means the result is under investigation and is not the same as cancellation. Final decisions rest with the Nigeria Examinations Committee after a review.

Affected candidates are urged to remain calm and not panic, as a withheld result does not automatically mean cancellation. They should immediately contact their school principal or examination officer for guidance. Schools often receive official communications from WAEC and can assist in lodging representations.

Candidates can utilize the official WAEC Notice of Examinations Malpractice portal to view reasons for the withholding (if available) and submit a defense. They are advised to check the portal periodically and rely solely on official WAEC channels, warning against paying third parties who claim they can expedite or alter withheld results. Investigations may take weeks or months, and results are released if candidates are cleared; otherwise, subjects or the entire result may be cancelled if malpractice is confirmed.

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Do not pay agents, social media “helpers” or third parties who claim they can release, upgrade or fast-track a withheld result, as such claims are typically scams.