WAEC 2026 results: Schools raise alarm over alleged grading anomalies

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is facing growing scrutiny over the 2026 WASSCE results, following complaints from some school administrators and education stakeholders over what they describe as unexpected grades, possible grading discrepancies and technical challenges linked to the expanded Computer-Based Testing (CBT) system.

The concerns emerged after WAEC released the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results for school candidates, with some schools questioning the grades awarded to students they considered high performers based on their academic records and performance in other standardised examinations.

While the allegations have not been independently established as evidence of a widespread grading problem, affected schools are calling for greater transparency and a review of disputed results.

One of the schools raising concerns is Impact House Model Schools, Mowe, Ogun State.

The school’s Director of Impact, Sam Abdulazeez, said the institution had noticed a decline in its students’ WASSCE performance in 2025 and 2026 despite maintaining its teaching staff, improving its facilities and intensifying preparations for external examinations.

Abdulazeez said the school had presented candidates for WASSCE since 2017 and had consistently recorded strong performances, particularly in Mathematics and English Language.

He recalled that all 45 candidates presented by the school for Mathematics in 2024 obtained A1.

However, he said the pattern changed in subsequent years following the introduction of paper serialisation and the expansion of computer-based examinations.

Abdulazeez said the school’s performance in the 2026 UTME had given it confidence that its students were adequately prepared for computer-based examinations.

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“This year, out of the 69 children we presented for JAMB, over 30 of them had more than 300 in JAMB. And you know that JAMB is completely CBT,” he said.

He added that none of the school’s candidates scored below 200 in the UTME, while the institution had conducted 22 mock examinations to familiarise students with computer-based testing.

According to him, the disparity became apparent when the 2026 WAEC results were released.

“In Mathematics, we had children who had up to 98 in Mathematics during UTME. Now, the As we had in Mathematics, maybe about three or four out of 69. This is a school that we usually have almost everybody having A1 in Math,” Abdulazeez said.

He also questioned the school’s English Language results, saying some students who had performed strongly in the UTME did not obtain the WASSCE grades the school expected.

“We only had B and maybe a few Cs. Out of the 69, I think we have three credits, and all others are B2, B3,” he said.

Abdulazeez maintained that the school’s academic standards had remained strong, noting that it had retained its teaching workforce and continued to invest in its facilities.

He said the school had also spent heavily on computer infrastructure after WAEC announced plans to expand the use of CBT in WASSCE.

However, he alleged that the school encountered technical difficulties when WAEC officials attempted to conduct a mock computer-based examination there before the 2026 examination.

“They did it the first day; the systems could not connect to their own server. They came the second day; they did it, but it was not successful,” he said.

According to Abdulazeez, the school subsequently contacted WAEC officials in Ogun and Lagos states, expressing concern about allowing its candidates to sit an examination through a system the school considered unreliable.

He said WAEC eventually approved the school to use the paper-based examination format despite the institution initially being listed for CBT.

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The school director also alleged that it experienced concerns with its 2025 WASSCE results, claiming that some grades appeared to change after the initial release.

“Last year, we had this same problem with WAEC. Some of my children who were expecting A1, they dropped to B. Those who were expecting B dropped to C,” he said.

He alleged that some grades were subsequently adjusted on the result portal.

“When we checked the result back again, we saw that those who they gave B had moved to A1. Those who they gave C moved to B last year,” he said.

Abdulazeez said the experience influenced the school’s decision to wait before publishing its 2026 results in case similar adjustments occurred. He said no such adjustment was observed before the school eventually released the results.

He also questioned whether paper serialisation could have contributed to some of the discrepancies reported by schools.

“For me, because I did not do CBT in our school, I don’t know how they go about their serialisation. I think it has to be, because we saw it in the subjects that have serialisation, like Mathematics, like English, Economics, and Biology,” he said.

He argued that students should not bear the consequences of any problem arising from the examination system.

“If the schools and the examining bodies cannot conduct the exam properly, it should not affect these children and their future,” he said.

Abdulazeez also rejected suggestions that the weaker results could simply be attributed to poor preparation by students because of the shift to computer-based examinations.

He noted that his students had already demonstrated their ability to perform under CBT through the UTME.

Another school administrator, who requested anonymity, alleged that some students with strong UTME scores and established academic records received D7, E8 and F9 grades in core WASSCE subjects.

The administrator claimed that two students who had secured admission to the University of Ibadan were recorded as failing Mathematics and English Language in their newly released WAEC results.

The claims could not independently be verified, and the result records of the students were not made available for independent examination.

Educationist Fola Adekeye called on WAEC to ensure that its examination and result-processing systems meet the highest standards of transparency and credibility.

He said examination bodies should proactively investigate credible complaints rather than wait for public pressure before reviewing disputed results.

“Those who are managing destinies — exams, exams are destiny issues. Children want to make their results; they want to be doctors, they want to be lawyers, they want to be astronauts. Those managing those checkpoints should do better,” Adekeye said.

“The public outcry shouldn’t become the determinant of most of these things. They should do the right thing.”

The complaints come as WAEC reports a decline in the overall performance of candidates in the 2026 WASSCE.

WAEC said 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54 per cent of the 1,950,726 candidates who sat the examination, obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

The figure represents a 1.42 percentage-point decline from the corresponding performance recorded in 2025.

WAEC also said it withheld the results of 167,486 candidates, representing 8.59 per cent of those who sat the examination, over suspected cases of examination malpractice.

The council said the figure was lower than the 9.7 per cent recorded in the previous year’s examination.

The 2026 examination was also significant because of the expanded deployment of computer-based testing, part of WAEC’s gradual transition towards digital examinations.

The Federal Government said ahead of the examination that preparations had been made to support the CBT rollout, including monitoring of centres and alternative power arrangements.

However, WAEC acknowledged that some operational difficulties occurred during the examination period, including delays affecting some papers at certain centres.

The council attributed the disruptions to a combination of logistical, security and operational challenges.

WAEC also maintained that there was no question-paper leakage despite the difficulties recorded during the examination.

The current controversy has been further heightened by a technical problem acknowledged by the Federal Ministry of Education in connection with the 2025 WASSCE results.

The ministry had confirmed that a technical issue affected the processing of some 2025 results, particularly in subjects where paper serialisation had been introduced, and said the problem was subsequently resolved.

That previous incident has increased the sensitivity surrounding fresh allegations involving the 2026 results, although it does not by itself establish that the same problem occurred this year.

WAEC has established procedures for candidates and schools that believe results may require review. School candidates can request a review of their scripts through their school authorities within the prescribed period and subject to the applicable fee.

The examination body also provides channels for schools and institutions to submit enquiries relating to examination results and other services.

For now, there is no independently verified evidence of a systemic grading error affecting the 2026 WAEC results.

The allegations raised by school administrators and education advocates therefore remain claims that require further investigation.

However, given the importance of WAEC results to university admission and other forms of academic progression, stakeholders are calling for credible complaints to be investigated promptly.

A transparent review of disputed results could help determine whether the reported cases represent isolated discrepancies, differences arising from examination standards or evidence of wider technical or grading problems.

The controversy has also placed renewed attention on WAEC’s transition to computer-based examinations, with schools and parents seeking assurances that the new system can accurately assess candidates without disadvantaging students.

As candidates begin using their results for admission and other academic purposes, the pressure will remain on WAEC to demonstrate that the 2026 WASSCE results were processed accurately, fairly and transparently.

WAEC 2026 results: Schools raise alarm over alleged grading anomalies

JAMB Aggregate Score 2026/2027: How Nigerian Universities Calculate Your Admission Chances

Every year, millions of Nigerian prospective students sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination with high hopes of securing admission into their dream institution. However, scoring high in JAMB is only the first hurdle in the race. The real determinant of your admission fate lies in your final aggregate score, which institutions use to screen candidates. In this comprehensive guide, newstrends.ng examines the essential components of university aggregate calculation and breaks down how different Nigerian institutions calculate these final screening points in clear, simple terms.

Understanding Your University Aggregate Score

An aggregate score is the total combined percentage mark that a university uses to evaluate a candidate’s readiness for a specific course. It combines various academic assessments into a single standardized percentage scale that allows institutions to rank applicants objectively. Nigerian universities do not rely solely on your JAMB score to grant admission into competitive courses. Instead, institutions combine your JAMB result with your Post-UTME performance and, in many cases, your O’Level grades to form a cumulative score over 100 percent. Understanding this calculation gives you a clear picture of where you stand before departmental cutoff marks are officially released. It helps you gauge whether your combined academic profile meets the requirements of your chosen field of study or if you need to consider a change of course. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your academic future rather than waiting anxiously for admission lists that may not favor you.

The Core Components That Determine Your Admission Score

The three main elements used by federal, state, and private universities across Nigeria to determine your final admission score are JAMB UTME scores, Post-UTME screening marks, and O’Level results. Your JAMB score is originally calculated out of 400 total marks, and to fit into most university grading formulas, this score is usually scaled down to represent a specific percentage of your overall screening score, most commonly 50 percent. The Post-UTME examination or screening exercise forms another major fraction of the total mark. Depending on the university, this screening may involve a physical computer-based test or an automated grading system based on your WAEC or NECO results. O’Level results are graded based on your top five relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, which are compulsory for most courses. Universities assign specific point values to distinct grades, rewarding distinctions like A1 with higher points than credits like C6, which means candidates with strong O’Level performances gain a significant advantage in the screening process.

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The Most Common Calculation Model: 50:50 Ratio

The 50:50 ratio model is the most widely adopted calculation formula among major Nigerian federal universities, including the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos. In this system, JAMB carries 50 percent of the weight, while the Post-UTME exam accounts for the remaining 50 percent. This balanced approach gives equal importance to your performance in the national entrance examination and the university’s own screening test. To calculate your score under this system, you first divide your JAMB score by 8. For instance, if you scored 280 out of 400 in JAMB, dividing 280 by 8 gives you 35 percent out of the available 50 percent. Next, you take your Post-UTME mark, which is typically scored out of 100, and divide it by 2. If you score 70 out of 100 in your Post-UTME exam, dividing 70 by 2 gives you 35 percent. Finally, you add both derived values together. Adding 35 percent from your JAMB score to 35 percent from your Post-UTME gives you a final aggregate score of 70 percent, which represents your total screening mark. This straightforward calculation makes it easy for candidates to estimate their standing before admission lists are released.

How the O’Level Point System Works

Some institutions, such as Obafemi Awolowo University and several state universities, incorporate O’Level performance directly into the aggregate percentage formula. This model evaluates candidates based on JAMB, Post-UTME, and the grades recorded in their single or combined O’Level sittings. In this variation, institutions allocate specific point allocations to each grade tier. An A1 grade might carry 10 points, B2 carries 9 points, B3 earns 8 points, C4 receives 7 points, C5 gets 6 points, and C6 carries 5 points. The points from your five core subjects are summed up to form a maximum obtainable score for the O’Level component. This total is then converted into a percentage alongside scaled scores from your JAMB and screening tests. Candidates with multiple distinction grades gain a distinct advantage in this system. Having solid grades in WAEC or NECO can boost your overall total and offset a slightly lower score in the UTME. This approach rewards academic consistency across all examination stages rather than placing too much emphasis on a single test.

University-Specific Formulas You Must Know

Understanding that different universities use different formulas is crucial for accurate aggregate calculation. The University of Lagos uses the 50:50 split formula, although some departments incorporate O’Level grades in a 50:20:30 ratio that weighs JAMB at 50 percent, O’Level at 20 percent, and Post-UTME at 30 percent. The University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university, uses the same 50:50 formula, and for highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering, candidates with aggregates below 65 are rarely admitted. The University of Ilorin favours JAMB more heavily with a 60:40 split, giving 60 percent weight to JAMB and 40 percent to Post-UTME. Obafemi Awolowo University uses a three-part formula that weights JAMB at 50 percent, Post-UTME at 40 percent, and O’Level at 10 percent. Ahmadu Bello University Zaria uses a different method where both scores are used directly without scaling, and it is important to note that ABU’s Post-UTME is marked out of 200, not 100. Lagos State University uses a unique aggregate grading system with the formula being JAMB Score multiplied by 0.15 plus O’Level Points, and the minimum JAMB score requirement is 195. These variations mean that you must always verify the exact formula for your specific institution and department.

What Happens in Universities Without Post-UTME

Some institutions skip the Post-UTME exam entirely and screen candidates based only on JAMB and O’Level results. In these cases, universities adopt various weighting systems to ensure fair evaluation. Some institutions use a 50:50 distribution where both JAMB and O’Level scores carry equal weight. Others prefer a 60:40 distribution that favours JAMB performance, while some like UNIZIK use a 70:30 distribution that places heavy emphasis on JAMB scores. These universities calculate your aggregate by applying specific percentages to your JAMB score and converting your O’Level grades to points. The 70:30 distribution gives JAMB a dominant role in the admission process, which means candidates who performed exceptionally well in the UTME but had average O’Level results can still compete effectively. This approach streamlines the admission process and reduces the stress on candidates who would otherwise have to prepare for additional screening tests.

Important 2026/2027 Policy Changes You Should Know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced several significant policy changes effective from the 2026/2027 academic session. The national cut-off marks have been set at a minimum of 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education. A major reform affecting Colleges of Education states that no admission into 100 or 200 Level is allowed into any College of Education, as all entrants must now enter through the Nigeria Certificate in Education route. Candidates with a minimum of four credit passes seeking admission into NCE programmes are no longer required to sit for UTME, though they must still register with JAMB. Admissions into affiliated degree programmes in Colleges of Education will no longer be allowed. There is now a mandatory O’Level result verification fee of N1,500 for one sitting and N2,000 for two sittings. Public universities must complete their admissions by December 31, 2026, while private universities have a deadline of November 30, 2026. The Post-UTME screening fee has been capped at ₦2,000 to protect candidates from exploitation. These changes reflect JAMB’s commitment to streamlining the admission process and ensuring fairness across all institutions.

Your Final Steps After Calculating Your Score

Once you have computed your aggregate score using your institution’s specific formula, the next step is to monitor official departmental cut-off announcements. Cut-off marks fluctuate annually based on overall applicant performance and available seat capacities, so you should not rely solely on previous years’ figures. If your aggregate score comfortably exceeds the historical cut-off mark for your chosen course, you stand a strong chance of merit admission. If your score falls below the required threshold, you can immediately begin exploring options for a change of course or institution on the JAMB portal before admissions close. Being proactive with your calculation gives you control over your admission journey. It eliminates guesswork and allows you to make informed decisions long before official admission lists are published. Remember to verify the exact formula for the 2026/2027 session on the official university website, as formulas can change annually. When in doubt, calculate using both 50/50 and 60/40 models so you are not caught off guard, and always cross-check your results with the official admission requirements.

JAMB Aggregate Score 2026/2027: How Nigerian Universities Calculate Your Admission Chances

Nigerian Young Academy, LASU to Host 16th International Conference on Convergent Research

Five-day event to bring together academics, policymakers, industry leaders to explore interdisciplinary solutions to global challenges

LAGOS — The Nigerian Young Academy (NYA), in collaboration with Lagos State University (LASU), will host its 16th International Conference and General Assembly from 16 to 20 August 2026 at the LASU Ojo Campus, Lagos, the organisers have announced.

The conference, themed “Convergent Research for Global Impact: Integrating Knowledge, Innovation and Policy,” will convene academics, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, and civil society organisations from Nigeria and around the world to examine how interdisciplinary research can address complex societal and global challenges.

According to a press release issued by the Academy, the conference aims to showcase cutting-edge research, strengthen collaboration among emerging and established scholars, and promote evidence-based policies that support sustainable development. It underscores the Nigerian Young Academy’s commitment to advancing research excellence, innovation, and leadership.

The five-day programme will feature keynote and plenary sessions, lead paper presentations, oral and poster presentations, scientific awards, networking opportunities, and a pre-conference workshop on “Building Research Capacity in the AI Era: Grant Writing and Practical Data Analysis Using R.”

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Discussions will span a broad range of themes, including sustainable development, public health systems, disease prevention, urban resilience, smart cities, energy systems, environmental policy, human-centred technology, rural development, food security, agribusiness, ethics in convergence science, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in governance, planning, and risk assessment.

Keynote and Hosts

The conference keynote address will be delivered by Professor Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health. Professor Temitope Onuminya, President of the Nigerian Young Academy, will host the event, while Professor Ibiyemi I. Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, will serve as Chief Host.

Call for Abstracts and Registration

Researchers are invited to submit abstracts of no more than 250 words between 1 March and 14 June 2026, while submissions for poster presentations will remain open until 24 July 2026. The conference is open to participants from Nigeria and abroad.

According to the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Associate Professor Abdul-Azeez Adeyemi Anjorin of Lagos State University, the conference provides an important platform for researchers, professionals, and policymakers to exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and develop innovative solutions that can shape the future of research, innovation, and public policy.

Scholars, students, professionals, and stakeholders across academia, government, industry, and civil society are encouraged to participate. Registration details and additional information are available through the Nigerian Young Academy website.

About the Nigerian Young Academy

The Nigerian Young Academy (NYA) is Nigeria’s foremost interdisciplinary academy for outstanding early-career researchers and professionals. Established in 2010 by the Nigeria Academy of Science, with the support of the Nigeria Academy of Education and the Nigeria Academy of Engineering, the Academy promotes research excellence, leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement.

The NYA is affiliated with the International Science Council, the Global Young Academy, and the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC). Through its conferences, awards, publications, and capacity-building initiatives, the Academy supports the development of young researchers and contributes to national and global development through science, scholarship, and innovation.

For further information, contact:

Dr. Abdulmalik Salman
Conference Organising Committee, Nigerian Young Academy (NYA)
Email: amas2k7@gmail.com
Telephone: +2347039632128
Website: https://nigerianyoungacademy.org

Nigerian Young Academy, LASU to Host 16th International Conference on Convergent Research