The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has stated that it does not issue directives on Senior Secondary School curricula, following reports suggesting restrictions on subject choices for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates (SC).
WAEC, in a statement on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Moyosola Adeshina, described the reports as an “unfounded assumption.”
It also noted that it did not issue any such directives nor restrict the choice of students to offer any particular subjects for WASSCE (SC) 2026 as alleged.
“The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has noted with concern recent media publications that alleged that the Council directed the restriction of Senior Secondary students to offer specific subject(s) for the forthcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates (SC) 2026,” the statement read.
“WAEC wishes to categorically distance itself from this unfounded assumption and the information making the rounds on the said subject. WAEC hereby affirms that the Council did not issue any such directive(s) nor restrict the choice of students to offer any particular subject(s) for WASSCE (SC) 2026 as alleged.”
WAEC added that the development and regulation of curricula in Nigeria are solely the responsibility of the Federal Government, while the Council’s role is limited to implementing government policies through assessments.
It also noted that curriculum changes are made in accordance with government directives, not at the Council’s discretion.
“We wish to point out to all stakeholders and the general public that the development and regulation of curricula in Nigeria are within the purview of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“WAEC, as an examination body, only comes in to implement Government policies via assessment.
“As a law-abiding organisation, WAEC operates strictly within the established legal and operational frameworks of its host country. The introduction or modification of any curriculum in Nigeria is a function of the Federal Government.
“We emphasise that changes in the curriculum are not implemented arbitrarily by the Council but by following due process as mandated by the Federal Government.”
The Council also urged all stakeholders to disregard the misleading reports and rely solely on official communications from the Council for accurate information regarding examination guidelines for WASSCE (SC) 2026.
“We assure our stakeholders that WAEC remains dedicated to professionalism and excellence in the service of the Nigerian child.
“The Council guarantees that all candidates participating in the WASSCE for School Candidates 2026 will be afforded a fair opportunity for assessment, ensuring that no candidate is disenfranchised.”
