By Joy Yesufu
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has dismissed reports claiming that it has restricted students’ subject choices for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Council’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adeshina, on behalf of the Head of National Office, WAEC described the reports circulating on social media as “false and unfounded.”
The examination body clarified that it had not issued any directive limiting the number or type of subjects students could register for in the forthcoming examination, urging schools and the public to disregard the misinformation.
“WAEC wishes to categorically distance itself from this unfounded assumption and the information making the rounds. The Council did not issue any directive restricting students’ subject choices for WASSCE (SC) 2026 as alleged,” the statement read.
WAEC explained that it has no authority over the development or modification of the senior secondary school curriculum, noting that such responsibilities lie with the Federal Government through its relevant educational agencies.
“The development and regulation of curricula in Nigeria fall within the purview of the Federal Government. WAEC, as an examining body, only implements approved curricula through its assessments,” the statement added.
The Council assured that any future changes to the national curriculum or examination structure would follow due process and be duly communicated through official channels.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, professionalism, and integrity in the conduct of its examinations across the five member countries — Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Liberia.
WAEC urged schools, students, and other stakeholders to rely solely on its official statements and website for verified information on examination matters.
“Schools, stakeholders, and the general public are advised to disregard misleading reports and rely only on official communications from the Council for accurate information regarding WASSCE (SC) 2026,” the statement concluded.
