The West African Examinations Council has officially opened registration for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examinatio (WASSCE) for private candidates, giving individuals who are not enrolled in regular secondary schools another opportunity to obtain or improve their secondary school examination results.
The registration exercise covers the 2026 First Series of the examination, popularly known as the WAEC GCEΒ or private candidatesβ examination. According to reports, registration is being conducted online through the official WAEC portal, while accredited banks, WAEC offices, and approved registration centres are assisting candidates with payment and biometric capture.
WAEC explained that the exercise is part of efforts to provide flexible learning and examination opportunities for school leavers, workers, and candidates seeking to improve previously obtained grades. Candidates are expected to complete online registration, provide biometric fingerprints, upload passport photographs, and select their preferred examination centres and sujects
Reports indicate that the registration fee for the 2026 private examination in Nigeria is about β¦27,000, excluding additional service charges that may be required by banks or registration centres. WAEC also warned candidates to avoid fraudsters and to register only through accredited centres and official platforms.
The examination body further disclosed that the 2026 WASSCE for private candidates will continue with the computer-based testing (CBT) format introduced in recent years as part of efforts to modernize examinations and reduce malpractice. WAEC stated that the transition to computer-based assessment is aimed at improving examination integrity, efficiency, and credibility.
Candidates are advised to register early before the deadline in order to avoid late registration penalties and technical difficulties associated with last-minute applications. WAEC has also extended registration deadlines in some cases to accommodate candidates who were unable to complete their registration on time.
