By Omowunmi Sanni

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that 1,959,636 candidates from 24,207 schools are participating in the ongoing Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for school candidates.

The Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Amos  Dangut, who disclosed this while addressing journalists in Lagos, said the examination, spanning eight weeks and three days. would end on June 19.

According to him, 958,564 candidates, representing 48.92 per cent are male, while 1,001,072 candidates representing 51.08 per cent are female, which indicated a rise in female participation compared to the previous year.

He noted that more schools adopted the computer-based examination mode this year following the success of its maiden edition in 2025, and recommendations from the Federal Ministry of Education.

Dangut also revealed that some offshore schools in neighbouring countries using the WAEC syllabus enrolled for the CB-WASSCE.

Speaking on innovations introduced by the council, he explained that examination papers have continued to be serialised to ensure no two candidates receive the same question sequence.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the examination process and reducing malpractice.

He stated that about 29,000 senior secondary school teachers nominated by various ministries of education are serving as supervisors during the examination.

He added that the National Identification Number (NIN) was included in the registration process in compliance with Federal Government directives.

Dangut acknowledged the challenges posed by insecurity in some parts of the country but said the council was collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force, security agencies, and state governments to ensure smooth conduct of the examination.

He warned candidates, supervisors, and schools against involvement in examination malpractice, stressing that offenders would face sanctions approved by the Nigeria Examinations Committee.

Dangut further cautioned parents against patronising rogue websites allegedly involved in examination fraud, and further added that WAEC would work with the police to track and prosecute offenders.

Highlighting some of the council’s new innovations, he listed the digital certificate platform, WAEC verify, WAEC chatbot, centre locator, and examination malpractice portal among services introduced to improve efficiency and accessibility.

He also encouraged candidates to utilise educational resources provided by the council, which included the WAEC E-Study Portal, WAEC E-Learning Portal, Chief Examiners’ Reports, and past question materials.

Dangut disclosed that results for the examination would be released 45 days after the last paper, while certificates would be printed and distributed to schools within 90 days.

He assured stakeholders that the council, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and security agencies, remained committed to conducting a credible examination nationwide.