The controversy surrounding the 2026 West African Examinations Council results has intensified after a WAEC official alleged that glitches and irregularities affected candidates who sat the computer-based examination.
Olanrewaju Fadehan, Head of Examinations at the WAEC office covering Anambra, made the allegations in a viral video as concerns continue to grow over the recently released results.
Fadehan claimed that candidates who took the computer-based version of the examination were particularly affected by problems surrounding the processing and release of the results.
According to him, the results were initially expected to be released between August 3 and 5, but something allegedly went wrong before the final results were published.
He said last-minute adjustments were subsequently made, raising questions about what happened during the result-processing stage.
Fadehan alleged that the adjustments particularly affected CBT candidates who wrote subjects including Mathematics, English and Igbo.
He also expressed concern over reports that some candidates from the South-East performed poorly in Igbo despite the language being widely spoken across the region.
The allegations have added another layer to the controversy surrounding the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results.
The situation is also significant for schools that invested heavily in facilities to support WAEC’s transition towards computer-based examinations.
Fadehan alleged that some schools spent more than N60m establishing CBT facilities in preparation for the new examination format.
He argued that the reported problems were particularly disturbing for institutions that had invested substantial resources to comply with the examination body’s transition plans.
The WAEC official also alleged that some candidates were not provided with appropriate calculators during the examination.
According to him, the alleged shortage contributed to poor performances in Mathematics and other subjects requiring calculations.
Fadehan said he had raised concerns about the alleged irregularities during the examination and subsequently petitioned relevant authorities over the matter.
He claimed that his complaints were directed to the WAEC Board, the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examining Bodies and the Minister of Education.
However, Fadehan alleged that instead of receiving a satisfactory response to his complaints, he was subjected to disciplinary proceedings and later placed on interdiction.
He subsequently called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the alleged causes of poor performances among candidates who selected the computer-based WAEC option.
The official also made allegations of financial impropriety involving the examination body, including claims concerning the supply of calculators, students’ identification cards and charges imposed on candidates and other service users.
He urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to investigate the allegations, stressing that the credibility of the examination system was crucial to the future of Nigerian students.
WAEC has previously defended the integrity of the 2026 WASSCE results amid criticism from parents, schools, students and social media commentators.
The examination body said the results were produced through rigorous and quality-assured processes and maintained that the examination was conducted according to established procedures and relevant educational policies.
However, the latest allegations have renewed calls for clarification, particularly from candidates and parents who believe that some results do not accurately reflect students’ academic performances.
The PUNCH had earlier reported concerns from school administrators and education advocates who alleged grading anomalies and technical glitches connected with the expanded CBT rollout.
Some of those concerns reportedly involved high-performing students receiving unexpectedly low grades compared with their previous academic records and performances in other standardised assessments.
The latest development could therefore increase pressure on WAEC to explain the circumstances surrounding the affected results and address questions about the transition to computer-based examinations.
When contacted for a response to Fadehan’s allegations, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, declined to comment on the matter.
She simply stated that the examination body had no comment for now, leaving the allegations without an immediate official rebuttal.
The absence of a detailed response is likely to sustain public interest in the controversy as affected candidates and their families seek answers about their examination outcomes.
For students awaiting admission into universities, polytechnics and other higher institutions, the controversy could have serious consequences because WAEC results remain an important requirement for further education.
Any uncertainty surrounding the accuracy or reliability of the results could therefore create additional anxiety for candidates already preparing for the next stage of their academic journey.
The controversy also raises broader questions about Nigeria’s transition towards technology-driven examinations and whether examination bodies have adequate systems to prevent technical problems from affecting candidates.
While computer-based testing can improve examination administration and reduce certain forms of malpractice, its credibility depends heavily on reliable infrastructure, effective monitoring and transparent result-processing systems.
The allegations made by the WAEC official have consequently placed renewed attention on whether the ongoing transition has been implemented with sufficient safeguards.
For now, the specific claims remain allegations and have not been independently established, while WAEC has yet to provide a detailed response to the latest accusations.
As calls for investigation grow, candidates, parents and schools will be watching closely for clarification from WAEC and the relevant education authorities.
The outcome of any investigation could determine whether the controversy is resolved through corrections and explanations or develops into a wider examination credibility crisis.