Lagos, Nigeria — The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has published the official timetable for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for school candidates across West Africa.
Okay News reports that the examination body released the final international timetable on Monday, March 30, 2026, through its verified social media platform. According to the schedule, the examination will begin on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and conclude on Friday, June 19, 2026.
The council stated that the first papers will include Foods and Nutrition 3 Practical Planning Session and Home Management 3 Practical Planning Session. These introductory practical planning sessions traditionally mark the start of the multi-week examination period.
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination is one of the most important academic qualifications for secondary school students in several West African countries. Candidates must successfully complete the examination to qualify for admission into universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions.
The examination covers core subjects such as English Language and Mathematics, alongside a wide range of elective subjects across sciences, arts, humanities, and vocational or technical disciplines. This structure allows students to pursue academic paths aligned with their intended higher education goals.
WAEC conducts the examination simultaneously across its member countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia. This regional coordination ensures standardised assessment and recognition of results across participating nations.
The release of the timetable provides students, schools, and education authorities with sufficient time to plan academic revision, logistics, and examination supervision. With the examination spanning nearly two months, candidates are expected to prepare thoroughly for both theoretical and practical components.
The timetable also signals the formal commencement of examination preparations across participating countries, with schools expected to intensify revision classes and administrative arrangements ahead of the start date.
