The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has approved a deadline extension for the 2026 computer based West African Senior School Certificate Examination. This decision aims to enable prospective applicants resolve their pending registration issues. The West African Examinations Council announced the new closing date via its official X account on Friday.
“The final deadline is now Friday, March 13, 2026. WAEC urges all stakeholders to take advantage of this extension to resolve any pending registration issues, as no further extension will be granted,” the circular stated.
This development follows reports of technical glitches and high demand experienced since January. The examination body had earlier assured stakeholders that the new computer based model would be accessible to students across Nigeria. Head of the WAEC National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, previously explained that the transition to computer based testing is being implemented in phases. He noted that this approach allows schools and students to adjust while the council identifies and resolves any infrastructural bottlenecks.
Dangut disclosed that extensive consultations are ongoing with state governments and education stakeholders to establish adequate centres across the country. He added that WAEC is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to ensure that stable electricity and internet facilities are provided. This measure is intended to ensure equity, so that candidates in rural areas are not disenfranchised. The Council maintains that the shift to technology is necessary to strengthen the credibility and security of the assessment process.
