WAEC Withheld Results 2026: Causes and What You Should Do

WAEC Withheld Results 2026: Causes and What You Should Do – The West African Examinations Council has withheld the results of 167,486 candidates who participated in the May/June 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates due to alleged examination malpractice.

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Dangut revealed that the increasing use of mobile phones in examination halls despite an existing ban, as well as organised cheating in some schools, are key reasons for the withheld results.

He added that some supervisors and invigilators found assisting candidates had been arrested and would face disciplinary action through the relevant state ministries of education.

WAEC 2026: 167,486 WASSCE Results Withheld Due to Malpractice Allegations

A “withheld” status indicates that the result is under investigation and does not mean it has been cancelled. Final decisions rest with the Nigeria Examinations Committee after a review.

What candidates should do

Stay calm and avoid panic. A withheld result does not mean it has been cancelled.
Contact your school principal or examination officer as soon as possible.
For school candidates, institutions often receive official updates from WAEC and can guide you or help submit a response.
Visit the official WAEC Notice of Examinations Malpractice portal to file a complaint: https://waecinternational.org/complaints.
On the portal, you can enter your exam number to check the reason for the notice (if available) and submit a defence for review.
Keep checking the portal regularly, especially about four weeks after results are released, for updates.
Rely only on official WAEC platforms, including its website, verified social media pages, and offices.
Avoid paying agents or online “helpers” who claim they can release or upgrade your result—these are usually scams.
Be patient, as investigations may take weeks or even months depending on the case.
Results will be released if cleared; however, specific subjects or the entire result may be cancelled if malpractice is confirmed.
In many cases, candidates can still apply to tertiary institutions using an “awaiting result” status, but the final result will be required later.
WAEC also noted that results of candidates sponsored by indebted states may remain withheld until payments are settled.