The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the provisional results of candidates who sat for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates, First Series.

In a press statement dated April 1, 2026, the Council said a total of 23,410 candidates registered for the examination, comprising 9,980 males and 13,430 females. According to WAEC, 746 candidates who registered for the examination were absent.

The Council indicated that candidates can check their results online via the official WAEC website. Additionally, candidates can also check their results on their mobile phones by dialing the shortcode *713*3998# and following the prompts.

WAEC also revealed that it detected several examination malpractices during the conduct of the examination and the marking process. As a result, the subject results of 76 candidates and the entire results of 87 candidates have been withheld pending the conclusion of investigations.

Performance statistics released by the Council showed mixed results across the four core subjects.

In English Language, 6,486 candidates representing 55.94 percent obtained grades A1 to C6. A total of 1,625 candidates representing 14.02 percent obtained grade D7, while 1,604 candidates representing 13.83 percent had grade E8. About 1,879 candidates representing 16.21 percent obtained grade F9.

For Core Mathematics, 6,675 candidates representing 37.84 percent obtained grades A1 to C6. A total of 1,926 candidates representing 10.92 percent obtained grade D7, while 2,103 candidates representing 11.92 percent obtained grade E8. However, 6,936 candidates representing 39.32 percent recorded grade F9.

In Integrated Science, 3,679 candidates representing 28.13 percent obtained grades A1 to C6. A total of 1,743 candidates representing 13.33 percent obtained grade D7, while 2,418 candidates representing 18.49 percent obtained grade E8. Meanwhile, 5,239 candidates representing 40.06 percent recorded grade F9.

Social Studies recorded the highest pass rate among the core subjects. WAEC reported that 8,131 candidates representing 75.10 percent obtained grades A1 to C6. A total of 660 candidates representing 6.10 percent obtained grade D7, while 533 candidates representing 4.92 percent obtained grade E8. About 1,503 candidates representing 13.88 percent obtained grade F9.

Candidates whose results have been withheld have been advised to visit the WAEC irregularity and investigations page through the withheld or cancelled option on the Council’s website to check the reasons and further instructions.

WAEC also cautioned the public to be wary of individuals who claim they can upgrade results for a fee through mobile money transfers. The Council emphasized that its results database is secure and urged institutions and organisations to verify results directly through WAEC or via the official confirmation and verification service on the Council’s website.

The Council expressed appreciation to stakeholders and individuals who supported the successful conduct of the examination and the release of the results.