WAEC Dismisses Claims of Subject Restrictions For 2026 WASSCE Candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has refuted claims 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 on Tuesday by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adeshina, on behalf of the Head of National Office, the Council described the reports as baseless and urged schools and the public to disregard them.

Responding to recent social media posts alleging that schools were instructed to limit students’ subject combinations, WAEC clarified that no such directive was issued.

The Council explained that it has no authority to determine or modify senior secondary curricula, as that responsibility rests with the Federal Government through its educational agencies. “WAEC categorically distances itself from the false information circulating about subject restrictions for WASSCE (SC) 2026. The Council did not issue any such directive or restrict students from offering any particular subjects,” the statement read.

WAEC emphasised that its role is strictly to assess students based on government-approved curricula and policies. It added that any change to the curriculum must follow due process and cannot be implemented unilaterally by the Council.

Founded in 1952, WAEC conducts public examinations across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Liberia, maintaining a long-standing reputation for integrity and fairness in student assessment.

The Council advised schools, parents, and the general public to rely only on official information from WAEC for accurate updates regarding the 2026 WASSCE. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.