WAEC GCE Results 2026 Released for Private Candidates

The West African Examinations Council has released the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination results for private candidates.

The council made this known in a statement issued on Friday, 27 March 2026. It said 32.72% of candidates obtained five credits, including English Language and Mathematics; that figure sits at the centre of the latest result release.

WAEC GCE 2026 result summary

A total of 10,523 candidates registered for the examination, while 10,480 candidates sat for it nationwide.

WAEC said this figure shows an 11.49% rise when compared with the 9,438 candidates recorded in 2025.

Out of the candidates who sat for the examination, 3,429 candidates, representing 32.72%, obtained credit and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

The council also stated that 4,598 candidates, representing 43.87%, obtained credit and above in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and/or Mathematics.

Performance compared with previous years

WAEC said the share of candidates who obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, rose from 26.96% in 2025 and 30.95% in 2024 to 32.72% in 2026.

That marks a 5.76% improvement.

When and where the exam was held

The examination took place from 28 January to 14 February 2026 across 166 centres in Nigeria.

Marking was carried out in Lagos, Enugu and Kaduna by 608 examiners.

How candidates can check WAEC GCE results

Candidates who sat for the examination can check their results through the WAEC result checking portal.

Steps to check the result

1. Visit the WAEC result checking portal.
2. Enter the examination number.
3. Select the examination year as 2026.
4. Select the examination type as PRIVATE CANDIDATES.
5. Enter the PIN and serial number.
6. Click “Submit” to view the result.

Released results and pending subjects

WAEC disclosed that part of the results remains pending due to processing issues.

The council said 8,418 results, representing 80.32%, have been fully processed and released.

It added that 2,062 candidates, representing 19.68%, still have some subjects being processed due to errors traceable to them.

Withheld results over alleged malpractice

WAEC said 75 candidates, representing 0.72% of the total number of candidates, had their results withheld over alleged examination malpractice.

The council stated that these cases are being investigated, and reports will be presented to the appropriate committee of the Council for determination.

Gender breakdown of candidates

The gender breakdown released by WAEC shows that 5,106 candidates, representing 48.72%, were male.

Female candidates stood at 5,374, representing 51.28%.

What WAEC said about the examination body and WASSCE

The West African Examinations Council is the regional examination body responsible for conducting standardised secondary school examinations across West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia.

The West African Senior School Certificate Examination remains a key requirement for admission into tertiary schools in Nigeria and other member countries.

WAEC has also introduced computer-based examinations for private candidates as part of moves to reduce malpractice and speed up result processing. The council provides digital certificates too; candidates can access and verify results online.

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This post is authored by Olusegun Fapohunda, the founder and editor of MySchoolGist.

Boasting over a decade of expertise in the education sector, Olusegun offers current insights into educational trends, career opportunities, and the latest news.

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