WAEC to Hold Private Exams in January 2026 After Many Students Failed

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says it will organise private exams in January and February 2026. This decision comes after many students performed poorly in the 2025 WASSCE, especially in Core Mathematics and Social Studies.

WAEC’s Head of Public Relations, John Kapi, shared this information during an interview on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Friday, December 5.

He explained that these private exams, which first started in 2024, give students another chance to improve their grades.

He said: “Yes, we started the first series last year. It was designed like what other West African countries are doing. The first private exams were held in January and February 2025. Now, in January and February 2026, we will have another one. Students who want to write should register from now until the end of December 2025 so they can prepare well.”

Mr. Kapi encouraged students to make good use of the registration period and the opportunity to better their grades. He added that doing well in the private exams will increase their chances of entering universities and other tertiary schools.

“They should learn, adjust themselves, and write the exam. I believe they can get the grades they need for tertiary education,” he said.

WAEC has not yet announced any extra steps to deal with the overall fall in WASSCE performance. However, the private exams are expected to give students an important second chance to improve their results and move on to higher education.