WAEC and Education Ministry Probe Decline in 2026 WASSCE English Results as Pass Rates Drop to 62.4%

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the provisional results for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), revealing a concerning decline in English Language performance despite improvements in other core subjects. Data indicates that the percentage of candidates achieving grades A1 to C6 in English fell to 62.40%, a significant drop from 69% in 2025 and 73.11% in 2023. In contrast, Core Mathematics showed an upward trend, with 60.75% of candidates securing credit passes. Candidates can now access their results through the official WAEC portal or via the USSD code 7133998# to begin calculating aggregates for tertiary admissions.

WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, attributed the poor English performance to a combination of weakening reading habits and the pervasive influence of informal communication. The Council highlighted the widespread use of pidgin and "WhatsApp English"—the shorthand and grammatical shortcuts common on social media—as primary factors undermining students’ mastery of standard English. Chief Examiners also reported persistent weaknesses in comprehension and summary writing. Kapi emphasized that while fluctuations in core subjects like Integrated Science and Social Studies occur, the Council is calling for deeper research to understand why failure rates frequently shift from one core subject to another across different examination years.

Responding to the decline, the Ministry of Education stated that the impact of social media language on the classroom is not on its "blind side." Press Secretary Hashmin Mohammed indicated that the Ministry is eagerly awaiting the full Chief Examiner’s Report to holistically address these educational challenges. Meanwhile, Angel Carbonu, the former President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), argued that the issue stems from a systemic neglect of foundational learning. Carbonu criticized the disproportionate focus on senior high schools at the expense of public basic schools, asserting that literacy and numeracy skills must be solidified at the primary level to prevent further deterioration in secondary performance.

As the academic community reacts to these results, WAEC is urging for improved teacher training in grammar and the potential incorporation of formal reading assessments into the curriculum. For the thousands of candidates now looking toward higher education, officials recommend a careful review of university admission requirements. The calculation of aggregates—converting letter grades to grade points—remains a critical next step for students, as the lower aggregate scores typically favor admission into competitive degree programs. The government and educational stakeholders are expected to use the upcoming detailed reports to formulate interventions aimed at reversing the literacy decline before the next examination cycle.