2026 WAEC GCE Registration Begins: Everything Private Candidates Need to Know About WASSCE Second Series

The West African Examinations Council has officially announced the commencement of registration for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates, Second Series.

The examination, popularly known as WAEC GCE, is designed for candidates seeking to improve their academic qualifications, gain admission into tertiary institutions, or obtain missing O’Level credits required for employment and higher education opportunities.

According to details released by WAEC, registration for the examination started on May 4, 2026, and will close on July 31, 2026. Candidates interested in participating in the examination have been advised to complete their registration early to avoid last-minute issues and network congestion often experienced during the closing period.

The examination body disclosed that the registration fee for the 2026 WAEC GCE Second Series is ₦37,000. Candidates are expected to complete their registration through the official WAEC registration portal.

WAEC also confirmed that the examination will be conducted fully as a Computer-Based Examination (CBE), marking another major step in Nigeria’s transition toward digital examinations and computer-based testing systems.

The move to full computer-based testing means candidates must prepare adequately by familiarising themselves with CBT examination formats, navigation systems, and timing techniques before the examination period begins.

Education experts believe the transition to computer-based examinations will improve efficiency, reduce examination malpractice, speed up result processing, and align Nigeria’s examination system with global digital education standards.

Candidates have also been advised to visit the nearest WAEC office to confirm approved examination towns and centres before finalising their registration process.

The WAEC GCE Second Series remains one of the most popular examination options for secondary school graduates, working-class Nigerians, and admission seekers who want to secure the required credits for university, polytechnic, nursing, and college admissions.

Over the years, thousands of candidates have used the private WASSCE examination to correct deficiencies in core subjects such as Mathematics and English Language, which are mandatory requirements for admission into most Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to verify all payment procedures, registration requirements, and examination guidelines directly from WAEC-approved channels before making payments to avoid falling victim to fraudsters and fake registration agents.

The official registration portal for the 2026 WAEC GCE Second Series is available through WAEC Nigeria.

With the increasing importance of O’Level results in Nigeria’s competitive admission process, education stakeholders expect a high turnout of candidates for the 2026 private WASSCE examination exercise.