The West African Examinations Council has released results for the 2026 first series Computer Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for private candidates, recording a marginal increase in the performance of those who obtained credits in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Moyosola F. Adesina, Acting Head of Public Affairs, disclosed in a statement issued from the council headquarters at Yaba on Friday that the examination took place across 166 centres in Nigeria between 28th January and 14th February.

A total of 10,523 candidates enrolled for the examination, representing an 11.49% increase compared with the 2025 entry figure of 9,438, with 10,480 candidates sitting the examination.

The statement revealed that 3,429 candidates representing 32.72% obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, showing a 5.76% improvement when compared to the 26.96% pass rate recorded in the 2025 first series.

Of the total of 10,480 candidates who sat the examination, 5,106 were male, and 5,374 were female, representing 48.72% and 51.28%, respectively.

The Acting Head disclosed that 8,418 candidates, representing 80.32%, have their results fully processed, while 2,062 candidates, representing 19.68%, still have a few subjects being processed due to errors traceable to them.

"Efforts are being made to speedily complete the processing to enable all affected candidates to get their results fully processed and released," the council stated.

WAEC withheld the results of 75 candidates representing 0.72% of the total entry in connection with various reported cases of examination malpractice.

"The cases are being investigated, and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate committee of the council for determination. The committee's decisions will be communicated directly to the affected candidates thereafter," Adesina noted.

The statement revealed that 43 candidates with special needs registered for and participated in the examination, with 11 visually impaired, four candidates with hearing impairments, and four albinos receiving adequate support during the administration of the test.

The coordination and marking of scripts were conducted at three venues in Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna, where 608 examiners participated in the exercise between 26th February and 13th March.

Candidates were encouraged to visit the official website to ascertain their status and access digital copies of their certificates released alongside the results.