2026 WAEC Results Statistics: Pass Rates and Withheld Details Released 

The official 2026 WAEC results statistics are finally out, showing that 61.54% of candidates passed their core papers. Dr. Amos Dangut, the Head of the WAEC National Office in Nigeria, shared these performance figures during a media briefing in Lagos. This year’s exam marks a major shift as it is the second time the council has used a computer-based format for school candidates.

2026 WAEC Results Statistics Summary

A total of 1,959,668 candidates from 24,207 schools registered for the examination, while 1,950,726 candidates eventually sat for it.

The main figures are:

• 1,200,514 candidates earned credits and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics
• 1,687,378 candidates earned credits and above in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and Mathematics
• 1,834,695 candidates had their results fully processed and released
• 116,031 candidates still had results being processed
• 167,486 candidates had their results withheld

Candidates can use the 2026 WAEC result checking guide to access their results.

How Many Candidates Passed Five Subjects Including English and Mathematics?

A total of 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54 per cent of those who sat for the examination, obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

This figure was 1.42 percentage points lower than the result recorded during the 2025 examination.

The five-credit requirement, including English Language and Mathematics, is one of the main figures used to assess candidate performance in the examination.

How Many Candidates Earned Five Credits With or Without English and Mathematics?

WAEC recorded 1,687,378 candidates, representing 86.50 per cent, who obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and Mathematics.

This figure includes candidates who earned the required number of credits but may not have obtained credits in both English Language and Mathematics.

Male and Female Performance Breakdown

Among the 1,200,514 candidates who earned credits and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics:

• 558,883 candidates, representing 28.65 per cent, were male
• 641,631 candidates, representing 32.89 per cent, were female

Female candidates recorded the higher number within this performance group.

Overall participation figures also showed that 997,267 females, representing 51.12 per cent, sat for the examination, while 953,459 males, representing 48.88 per cent, participated.

How Many WAEC Results Have Been Released?

WAEC reported that 1,834,695 candidates, representing 94.05 per cent, had their results fully processed and released.

The results of 116,031 candidates, representing 5.95 per cent, were still being processed when the announcement was made.

Candidates whose results are still under processing may not see a complete result until WAEC finishes the remaining work.

Why Did WAEC Withhold 167,486 Results?

WAEC withheld the results of 167,486 candidates over alleged examination malpractice. The affected candidates represented 8.59 per cent of the total number who sat for the examination.

Dr Dangut identified the growing use of mobile phones inside examination halls, despite the existing ban, as one of the reported concerns. Organised cheating in some schools was also listed among the infractions.

The 8.59 per cent recorded in 2026 was lower than the 9.7 per cent withheld-result rate recorded in 2025.

What Action Will Be Taken Against Examination Officials?

Some supervisors and invigilators who were found assisting candidates with examination malpractice had been arrested.

The affected officials would face disciplinary action through the relevant state ministries of education, according to the announcement.

How Many Candidates With Special Needs Sat for the Examination?

WAEC recorded 1,213 candidates with special needs during the 2026 examination.

The disclosed categories included:

• 137 visually impaired candidates
• 491 candidates with hearing impairment
• 55 spastic and mentally challenged candidates
• 41 physically challenged candidates

These figures formed part of the participation data released by the council.

When Was the 2026 WASSCE Conducted?

The 2026 WASSCE for School Candidates was conducted from 24 April to 19 June 2026.

A total of 102,708 examiners took part in the marking process across 88 marking venues.

The examination was the second edition of the Computer-Based WASSCE for School Candidates following WAEC’s introduction of the format.

What New Measures Did WAEC Use for the 2026 Examination?

WAEC used the Digital Examiner Mark System to support faster result processing.

The council also used serialised question papers as part of its effort to curb examination malpractice. A new portal was provided for candidates to generate e-PINs directly when checking their results.

These measures formed part of the examination and result-processing arrangements for the 2026 exercise.

Will Every Candidate Receive a Released Result?

Candidates sponsored by states that owe WAEC would not have their results released until the outstanding payments had been cleared.

The council did not name the affected states in the supplied announcement.

Common Questions About the 2026 WAEC Results Statistics

How Many Candidates Registered for the 2026 WAEC Examination?

A total of 1,959,668 candidates from 24,207 schools registered for the examination.

How Many Candidates Sat for the Examination?

WAEC recorded 1,950,726 candidates who eventually sat for the examination.

What Percentage Earned Five Credits Including English and Mathematics?

A total of 61.54 per cent earned credits and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

What Percentage Earned Five Credits With or Without English and Mathematics?

WAEC recorded 86.50 per cent of candidates with credits and above in at least five subjects, with or without English Language and Mathematics.

How Many Results Were Withheld?

The council withheld 167,486 results, representing 8.59 per cent of the candidates who sat for the examination.

How Many Results Were Still Being Processed?

The results of 116,031 candidates, representing 5.95 per cent, were still being processed.

How Can Candidates Check Their Results?

Candidates can follow the WAEC result checking steps for 2026 to access their released results.