WAEC issues important update on 2026 WASSCE - 'It'll be hybrid, centre not school- based'

WAEC issues important update on 2026 WASSCE – ‘It’ll be hybrid, centre not school-
based’

Yinka ADETUNJI

The West African Examination Council WAEC has re-affirmed that the 2026 WASSCE would be hybrid, both computer based test and pen and paper formats.

This is contained in a message sent to schools principals signed by L.M. ODOH, WAEC Zonal Coordinator, dated 14th August, 2025, and containing guidelines for the registration of 2026 WASSCE school candidates.

The release sighted by ogbomosoinsightonline.com states, “Please note that the conduct of WASSCE for School Candidates, 2026 will be a combination of hybrid computer-based (CB-WASSCE) and pen-and-paper formats,” the release states.

In addition, it is stated the exam will no longer be school based but centre based like the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

“We also reiterate that CB-WASSCE for School Candidates, 2026 will be centre based as against school based. The examination will be conducted in pooled centres.”

The leading examination body therefore promised to invite principals and examination registration officers to a briefing cum training session to elucidate on the new system and expectations.

“The School Principals and the Registration Officers will soon be invited for a briefing/training sessions on the procedures for error-free registration exercise and practical use of Candidates’ Identity Verification, Attendance, Malpractice and Post Examination Management System-CIVAMPEMS.”

It also announced a staggering registration process which it styled, “Notice of float of entries,” which will ensure the process goes through different stages.

“This is to inform you that the entries for WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025 have been floated. The registration of candidates for the examination will include the following stages: The upload of Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) 1 & 2 will commence on Tuesday, 19th August and end on Friday, 31st October, 2025, offline registration of candidates will commence on Tuesday, 16th September and end on Friday, 21 November, 2025.

“Online registration of candidates will commence on Monday, 22nd September and end on Friday, 12th December, 2025.”