The West African Examinations Council has announced the release of the 2026 first series Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination results for private candidates, showing a modest improvement in performance.
In a statement statement issued in Yaba, Lagos, Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola F. Adesina, said the examination was conducted between January 28 and February 14 across 166 centres nationwide.
Providing a breakdown, she disclosed that 10,480 candidates participated in the examination, out of which 3,429 candidates, representing 32.72 per cent, obtained credits in at least five subjects including English Language and Mathematics. 
Comparatively, she noted that the performance reflects an increase of 5.76 per cent over the 26.96 per cent recorded in the 2025 first series.
Speaking further, Adesina said the council ensured inclusiveness as 43 candidates with special needs took part in the examination, including visually impaired candidates, those with hearing challenges, and albinos who were provided with necessary support.
On the processing of results, she explained that 8,418 candidates, representing 80.32 per cent, have their results fully released, while 2,062 candidates still have some subjects being processed due to errors linked to them.
Comparatively, she noted that the performance reflects an increase of 5.76 per cent over the 26.96 per cent recorded in the 2025 first series.
Speaking further, Adesina said the council ensured inclusiveness as 43 candidates with special needs took part in the examination, including visually impaired candidates, those with hearing challenges, and albinos who were provided with necessary support.
On the processing of results, she explained that 8,418 candidates, representing 80.32 per cent, have their results fully released, while 2,062 candidates still have some subjects being processed due to errors linked to them.
However, the council withheld the results of 75 candidates, accounting for 0.72 per cent of the total, over alleged examination malpractice.
Adesina stated that investigations are ongoing and that decisions reached by the appropriate committee would be communicated directly to the affected candidates.
She advised candidates to check their results through the council’s official portal and access digital copies of their certificates, which have been made available alongside the results.
The spokesperson added that the outcome reflects the commitment of the council’s staff and examiners, wishing candidates success in their future pursuits.
Meanwhile, the coordination and marking of scripts were carried out in Lagos, Enugu, and Kaduna, where 608 examiners participated in the exercise between February 26 and March 13.
