WAEC Voids Results of 861 Students for Mobile Phone Use in 2026 WASSCE

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has cancelled the entire results of 861 candidates for possessing mobile phones in examination halls. The decision follows the release of provisional results for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.

According to data released by the council, a total of 8,295 candidates had their results either cancelled or withheld due to various irregularities. While 861 students faced the total loss of their results for phone possession, another 7,434 candidates had subject-specific results cancelled. In total, provisional results were issued for 512,862 candidates.

Maintaining Exam Integrity

The WASSCE is a standardized test administered across West African nations, serving as the primary gateway for students seeking higher education. To protect the validity of the certification, WAEC enforces strict policies prohibiting the use of electronic devices within examination halls. These measures are designed to prevent cheating and ensure that the academic achievements of all candidates are earned fairly.

High Stakes for Candidates

The decision to void entire results underscores WAEC's zero-tolerance approach to mobile phone possession. For the affected students, the consequences are severe, as these results are critical for university placement via the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). By taking such drastic action, the council aims to create a strong deterrent for future candidates who might consider bypassing security protocols.

Next Steps and Investigations

WAEC has indicated that the process of reviewing irregularities is ongoing. The council expects all investigations into the reported exam malpractices to be completed by October 30, 2026. Until then, the status of the withheld results remains pending as the council verifies the extent of the breaches. This rigorous verification process is intended to ensure that only those who adhered to the examination guidelines receive their final certifications, maintaining the prestige and reliability of the WASSCE qualification across the region.