The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially announced a targeted extension for the 2026 Computer Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB WASSCE) registration. In a statement released via its official X account on Friday, the Council confirmed that the deadline for school candidates has been moved to Friday, March 13, 2026.
This strategic adjustment follows reports of technical glitches and an unprecedented surge in demand that have surfaced in official updates since January. By providing this additional window, the Council aims to ensure that all eligible candidates can complete their documentation despite the initial infrastructural hurdles.
The examination body remains steadfast in its commitment to nationwide accessibility, asserting that the transition to a digital model will not disenfranchise any student. WAEC has emphasised that robust measures are being implemented to bridge the gap between urban centres and underserved rural communities, ensuring equitable access to technology.
Dr Amos Dangut, Head of the WAEC National Office, reaffirmed this position during a high level sensitization session with the National Assembly Committees on Education in Abuja. The engagement was designed to brief lawmakers on the operational modalities of the CB WASSCE and to secure legislative cooperation in addressing potential implementation challenges.
According to Dr Dangut, the Council is adopting a phased transition, beginning with objective questions in select subjects before expanding to theory and practical components. This deliberate approach allows schools, educators, and students to acclimate to the digital environment while enabling WAEC to resolve any lingering technical bottlenecks.
Extensive consultations are currently underway with state governments and school proprietors to establish a comprehensive network of CBT centres across the federation. Furthermore, WAEC is collaborating with the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to guarantee a stable power supply, reliable internet connectivity, and the specialised training of personnel.
To minimise the logistical and financial burden on parents, the Council is actively mapping out examination centres within every local government area. Dr Dangut stressed that this geographical strategy is essential to ensuring that candidates in remote regions are not left behind during this technological shift.
Ultimately, the transition to CB WASSCE is framed as a necessary evolution to align with global standards and enhance the integrity of the assessment process. By leveraging technology, WAEC intends to significantly reduce examination malpractice, logistical delays, and the complexities of result processing.
The Council concluded by urging lawmakers to support the initiative through adequate budgetary provisions and oversight. Such backing is deemed critical to fast tracking the infrastructural development required for a seamless and secure examination cycle.
