WAEC Defends BECE Grading Integrity and Releases 2026 Results for Private Candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fairness and objectivity in the marking and grading of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). During a recent press conference, John Kapi, WAEC's Head of Public Affairs, addressed growing concerns regarding the integrity of the examination process. He stated emphatically that the council’s assessment and grading procedures are guided by internationally accepted principles, designed to eliminate bias and ensure that every candidate is treated equitably regardless of their school's status.

Central to WAEC’s defense is the use of the Stanine Grading System, a method that focuses on the relative performance of candidates rather than fixed percentage scores. According to Mr. Kapi, this system helps maintain fairness across different examination years by accounting for varying levels of difficulty in the test papers. By evaluating a student's performance in relation to their peers, the council aims to provide a more accurate reflection of academic standing. WAEC has urged the general public to disregard claims of bias against private school candidates, labeling such allegations as baseless and harmful to the credibility of the national assessment.

To ensure total objectivity, the council employs several rigorous quality assurance measures. These include script-swapping between regions and the random allocation of scripts to examiners, which maintains strict anonymity throughout the marking process. These protocols are intended to prevent any potential favoritism or regional influence, ensuring that examiners remain focused solely on the quality of the work presented. Mr. Kapi emphasized that these transparent processes are vital for maintaining the high standards associated with the council's certifications.

In a related development, WAEC has officially released the provisional results for the BECE for private candidates. A total of 2,987 individuals participated in this cycle, consisting of 1,618 males and 1,369 females. While the examination saw 101 candidates recorded as absent, those who completed the assessments can now access their results via the official WAEC website. The council has advised candidates and stakeholders to use only official channels to address any concerns or discrepancies identified in the released results, as the government under President John Mahama continues to prioritize educational standards and examination transparency.