The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the 2025/2026 results for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and WAEC has decided to withhold the results for candidates involved in examination malpractice, impersonation, and other related forms of misconduct
As candidates check their results, some may encounter various statuses that can be confusing students, parents, and educators alike are eager to understand the different statuses that accompany these examination results. Knowing what each term means can help students navigate their academic futures more effectively.
This article aim to help resolve issues surrounding the 2025/2026 WAEC withheld results, held, outstanding result and no results, as well as provide clarity on what it means to have results held or outstanding, and other challenges candidates may face while checking their results online.
According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), factors that typically contribute to held, withheld, and outstanding results are mainly related to examination malpractice and impersonation.
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When a candidate's results are held, withheld, or outstanding, it means that there are restrictions placed on their results, preventing them from viewing their grades. Instead, they may only see "HELD" or "OUTSTANDING RESULT" when attempting to access their results.
Some candidates may have seen one of the mentioned tags when checking their 2025/2026 WAEC results online. We want to clarify these terms so that candidates can understand where they stand and the likelihood of their results being released by the WAEC board.
Definition of Withheld WAEC Result
Likelihood of release: Slim
This happens when most candidates in a specific center receive the same grade. WAEC will conduct a further investigation into the results. If it is found that the candidates were involved in any form of malpractice during the exam, their results will be withheld. However, if this is not the case, the results will be released.
Definition of Withheld WAEC Results
Likelihood of release: Low
Withheld results typically occur when a written comment is made on a candidate's answer booklet regarding malpractice or other examination offenses.
Definition of Outstanding WAEC Results
Likelihood of release: Moderate
Outstanding in one or more subjects often occurs when a student is marked as present in exams, but the mark on the subject(s) is not finalized. It can also be caused by an additional answer sheet that was not properly attached, among other factors.
Definition of 'No WAEC Result'
Likelihood of release: Low
This situation often occurs for candidates who registered with special centers.
If you are not responsible for any exam-related offenses and your result displays any of the aforementioned tags, there is a good chance it will be released.
Is it possible to have withheld results released?
It depends on the reason for the result being withheld. WAEC results that are withheld due to mishandling of the answer sheet will be released once the errors have been rectified by the WAEC board.
However, if the candidate or the school is found guilty of exam malpractice at the time of withholding, the result will be invalidated.
Can WAEC canceled results be released?
Once a result has been marked as canceled by WAEC, it cannot be released. There is no recourse other than to sit for the exam again in a subsequent year.
Reasons for Withholding WAEC Results
The main reasons for the withholding of WAEC results are related to issues of malpractice and impersonation.
Malpractice is the primary cause for the seizure of most 2025/2026 WAEC results. Cheating, copying others' work, and being involved in any form of misconduct during the examination are all factors that can lead to the withholding of results. If you were found to be engaged in any of these activities, your results have likely been withheld.
Impersonation is another significant factor leading to the withholding of results. Some candidates choose to have someone else sit for the exam on their behalf. This is a risky and dishonest practice that can have serious consequences.
For those who have yet to write the exam, it is important to avoid any form of malpractice or impersonation. It is advised not to hire someone else to write the exam on your behalf, as this can lead to serious repercussions.
The West African Examinations Council has emphasized that all withheld results are due to alleged malpractices. It is important for candidates to take their examinations seriously and to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity.
When will the 2025/2026 WAEC withheld results be released?
The Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC) typically holds a council meeting to address the issues surrounding the withheld results before making a final decision regarding malpractice and impersonation.
If you did not engage in malpractice, it is advised to remain patient as your results will be released following the NEC meeting.
The 74rd NEC meeting is scheduled for March 2025, after which the results of affected candidates will be released.
What to do when your WAEC result is withheld:
When your results are withheld by WAEC, it is important to wait for the final decision following the NEC meeting.
During this waiting period, it is recommended to pray for the release of your results and consider registering for another WAEC exam as a precaution.
Additionally, it is advised to refrain from checking your results online to avoid exceeding the limit for using your scratch card.
Ultimately, it is best to wait for WAEC to conclude its meeting with the National Examination Committee (NEC).
Other Statuses
- Processed: Your result has been fully processed and released.
- Released: Your result has been released, but may still be under review.
- Pending: Your result is still being processed and will be released soon.
What to Do If Your Result Is Held, Withheld, or Outstanding
If your result is Held, Withheld, or Outstanding, don't panic. Follow these steps:
- Check the WAEC website for updates on your results.
- Contact WAEC or your school for guidance on resolving the issue.
- Follow the instructions provided by WAEC to resolve the matter.
Remember, WAEC is committed to ensuring the integrity and fairness of the examination process. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to WAEC or your support school
Suggestions
If you have been flagged for any of the aforementioned violations and you are innocent of any wrongdoing, there is a good chance that your results will be released.
However, if you have been involved in any form of misconduct, the consequences could be more severe. If you or your school were found to be engaging in malpractice, it's important to be realistic about the situation; it's possible that WAEC has detected the wrongdoing. But there is still hope. Please refer to the recommendations below for guidance on next steps.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Communication: Schools should maintain clear and consistent communication with students and parents regarding the status of WAEC results. Regular updates can alleviate anxiety and keep all stakeholders informed.
2. Dedicated Support Services: Establish a dedicated helpline or support center specifically for inquiries related to WAEC results. This can provide timely assistance and address concerns effectively.
3. Improved Online Access: WAEC should ensure its online platforms for checking results are user-friendly and equipped to handle high traffic, especially during peak times when results are released.
4. Mechanism: Implement a feedback mechanism for rereporting issues or difficulties encountered while accessing their results. This can help WAEC identify problem areas and improve the process.
5. Awareness Campaigns: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate students and parents about the WAEC results process, expected timelines, and common issues that might arise to minimize confusion.
Conclusion
The anticipation surrounding WAEC results is a significant aspect of students' academic journeys, reflecting their hard work and dedication. While challenges may arise in the dissemination of results, proactive measures such as improved communication, support services, and feedback mechanisms can significantly enhance the experience for all involved. By addressing these issues collaboratively, WAEC and educational institutions can foster a more efficient and reassuring environment for students awaiting their results..