The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced a new registration deadline for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), giving students more time to complete their applications.
The council said the final date for registration is now Friday, March 13, 2026, after receiving approval from Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
This extension aims to help students who have faced difficulties during the registration process, ensuring that no candidate misses out on the opportunity to participate in the upcoming exams.
WAEC encouraged all candidates, schools, and other stakeholders to use the extra time wisely to resolve any pending issues before the new deadline.
WAEC emphasized that March 13, 2026, will be the final date for registration, warning that no further extensions will be granted. Students who fail to complete their registration by this date may not be allowed to sit for the 2026 WASSCE.
The 2026 WASSCE will be conducted using a computer-based testing (CBT) format, part of the Federal Government’s effort to modernise the examination system and reduce the incidence of malpractice.
Officials say the digital approach will make the examination process more transparent, efficient, and credible while giving students equal access to the platform across the country.
WAEC administers the WASSCE annually in several English-speaking West African countries.
The examination is a crucial milestone for secondary school students, serving as a requirement for graduation and admission into universities, polytechnics, and other higher institutions.
Candidates and schools are urged to complete their registration well before the March 13 deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
With the move to CBT, students are expected to experience a faster and more reliable examination process, reflecting the ongoing efforts to modernize education assessment across the region.
