2026 WASSCE (SC) Results: Exam Malpractices Update Released

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is expected to release the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates (SC) by the end of August 2026.

Ahead of the release of the main 2026 WASSCE (SC) results, WAEC has made available information relating to candidates and schools whose examinations have been affected by suspected cases of examination malpractice and other irregularities.

Candidates and schools that participated in the 2026 WASSCE (SC) have been directed to check the WAEC irregularity portal to determine whether their examination results have been flagged for any irregularity.

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The irregularity portal provides candidates, schools, and other relevant stakeholders with an opportunity to find out whether WAEC has detected an alleged examination infringement involving a candidate or school.

2026 WASSCE results: What candidates should check

Candidates who check the irregularity portal may find that their results have been placed under different statuses depending on the nature of the alleged irregularity and the stage reached in WAEC’s investigations.

Two of the major statuses candidates may encounter are “Cancelled” and “Withheld.”

1. WASSCE results cancelled by WAEC

A candidate may have the results of one or more subjects cancelled where WAEC determines that an examination irregularity occurred.

In some cases, the cancellation may affect the candidate’s results in all the subjects written, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

Candidates whose results have been cancelled should understand that this generally means WAEC has taken a decision on the relevant irregularity after considering the available evidence.

The possibility of successfully appealing a cancellation may therefore depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the procedures established by WAEC.

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2. WASSCE results withheld

A withheld result has a different meaning from a cancelled result.

When WAEC withholds a candidate’s result, it generally means that the result is being held pending further investigation or consideration of an alleged examination irregularity.

A withheld result does not necessarily mean that the candidate has been found guilty of examination malpractice.

WAEC may require the candidate to provide further information or appear before officials to answer questions concerning the alleged irregularity.

Candidates invited by WAEC must appear

Candidates whose results are withheld and who are subsequently invited by WAEC should take such invitations seriously.

Where a candidate is required to appear before WAEC officials at a regional office, the candidate may be asked to explain what happened during the examination and respond to questions relating to the alleged irregularity.

The candidate will have an opportunity to present their side of the story and provide any explanation relevant to the matter.

WAEC will then consider the candidate’s explanation together with other information available to the Council before making a final determination.

What happens after the investigation?

The final outcome may depend on the findings of WAEC’s investigation.

Where WAEC is satisfied with the explanation provided and determines that the candidate should not have their result cancelled, the withheld result may subsequently be released.

In such a situation, the status of the candidate’s result may change from “Withheld” to the candidate’s actual examination result.

However, where WAEC concludes that an examination irregularity occurred and the candidate’s explanation does not resolve the matter, the withheld result may eventually be changed to “Cancelled.”

This means that candidates should not automatically interpret a withheld result as a final cancellation.

Mobile phones and examination malpractice

Candidates should also remember that the possession or use of prohibited materials and electronic devices during the WASSCE can constitute an examination irregularity.

The possession of a mobile phone in the examination hall, whether it is switched on or off, can therefore have serious consequences under WAEC’s examination rules.

The specific action taken by WAEC, however, depends on the circumstances of the case and the Council’s established rules and investigation process.

2026 WASSCE candidates urged to check their status

As the release of the main 2026 WASSCE (SC) results approaches, candidates and schools are encouraged to check the official WAEC irregularity portal where applicable.

Checking the portal can help candidates determine whether WAEC has flagged their examination results for an irregularity and whether further action may be required.

Candidates who discover that their results have been withheld should remain attentive to any communication or invitation from WAEC and should comply with the Council’s instructions.

Candidates whose results have been cancelled should also follow the appropriate WAEC procedures if they believe there has been an error or if an appeal is permitted in their particular case.

The release of the irregularity information ahead of the main results is important because it gives affected candidates and schools an opportunity to understand the status of their examinations before the full 2026 WASSCE for School Candidates results are released.

For candidates who have no irregularity recorded against their examinations, the focus now remains on the expected release of the 2026 WASSCE (SC) results and the subsequent use of those results for admission into tertiary institutions and other post-secondary programmes.

Candidates should rely on official WAEC communication and the authorised WAEC portal for the final status of their results.