Private School Owners Seek Wider Review of 2026 WASSCE Results

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools has asked the Federal Government and the West African Examinations Council to take further action over concerns surrounding the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results.

In a statement following a meeting with the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, NAPPS said the discussions focused on concerns raised by private schools over the conduct of the 2026 WASSCE and WAEC’s responses.

The association said greater attention should be given to strengthening the National Examinations Council as “a credible alternative examination pathway,” noting that the Federal Government has more direct oversight of the Nigerian examination body.

NAPPS said schools should be encouraged to embrace NECO examinations more widely and urged the body to “increase its engagement with relevant stakeholders” and “strengthen its rebranding and public communication.”

The association also said a committee had been established to harmonise examination timetables and result-release dates, adding that results should be released early enough to support tertiary admission processes.

The meeting came after widespread criticism of the first fully computer-based WASSCE results.

WAEC said 61.54% of candidates obtained credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, while the council defended the credibility of the results amid questions about the new examination system.

On remarking requests, NAPPS said the minister stated that WAEC would conduct the exercise “on a pro bono basis, without additional cost to the schools concerned.”

According to the statement, remarking had been completed for 28 schools, with no changes recorded in 25 and only marginal changes found in the remaining three.

The association said comparative data submitted to the minister showed improved overall performance at the credit-pass level in 2026, but noted what it described as significant declines of more than 30% in Igbo Language and 19% in Physics.

“These disparities were duly noted for further consideration,” the statement said.

NAPPS also requested an investigative committee but said the minister’s office would decide on the request after ongoing engagements and reviews were completed.

The association urged WAEC to hold a broader engagement with private schools and present “a more detailed statistical report” on candidates’ performance.

It also said WAEC must provide “clear and convincing statistical evidence” showing the relationship between stronger anti-malpractice measures and the pattern of results.

The Federal Government has recently intensified examination reforms, including measures to curb malpractice and improve examination security.

Alausa has said the effort is aimed at ensuring results reflect students’ genuine knowledge and merit.

The statement was signed by NAPPS National President Samira Jibir and National Secretary Kayode Adeyemi.