The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has dismissed claims circulating in the media that it directed schools to restrict Senior Secondary students to specific subjects for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates.
In a statement released from its headquarters at 21, Hussey Street, Yaba, Lagos, WAEC expressed concern over what it described as misleading publications. The Council stated that it “did not issue any such directive(s) nor restrict the choice of students to offer any particular subject(s) for WASSCE (SC) 2026 as alleged.”
According to WAEC, reports suggesting that the Council had introduced subject restrictions are false and should be disregarded. The examination body clarified that the regulation and development of school curricula in Nigeria are the responsibility of the Federal Government.
“The development and regulation of Curricula in Nigeria is within the purview of the Federal Government of Nigeria. WAEC, as an examination body, only comes in to implement Government policies via assessment,” the Council stated.
WAEC further emphasized that it operates within the law and does not unilaterally make curriculum decisions. “As a law-abiding organization, WAEC operates strictly within the established legal and operational frameworks of its host country. The introduction or modification of any curriculum in Nigeria is a function of the Federal Government,” the statement added.
The Council advised schools, education stakeholders, and the general public to disregard the false reports and rely solely on verified communications from WAEC for accurate updates about the 2026 WASSCE.
“We emphasize that changes in the Curriculum are not implemented arbitrarily by the Council, but by following due process as mandated by the Federal Government,” it noted.
WAEC assured candidates, parents, and schools of its continued commitment to professionalism and fairness. “We assure our stakeholders that WAEC remains dedicated to professionalism and excellence in the service of the Nigerian Child. The Council guarantees that all candidates participating in the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2026 will be afforded fair opportunity for assessment, ensuring that no candidate is disenfranchised,” it concluded.
The release was signed by Moyosola Adeshina, anipr, Acting Head of Public Affairs, WAEC, Yaba, Lagos, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, for the Head of National Office.