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By DocuNews Central • Published: October 2025
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) became the subject of heated online discussion after claims circulated that the body has published new subject combinations for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This article from DocuNews Central presents a full fact-check. It summarises WAEC’s official position, lists credible media coverage, and outlines what students, parents and schools should do now.
The origin of the viral claim
In September 2025, several education blogs and social posts began sharing lists titled “WAEC 2026 subject combinations.” Those lists named compulsory subjects and suggested new elective rules. Social sharing quickly amplified the posts across Facebook, X and messaging groups.
Typical claims included that English Language, Mathematics and Civic Education would be compulsory for all students; that Economics would be restricted to commercial streams; and that new electives such as Digital Literacy or Entrepreneurship would appear. Crucially, none of the viral posts linked to a WAEC circular or the Council’s verified channels.
WAEC’s official position
After a thorough review of WAEC Nigeria’s official website and verified social media handles, DocuNews Central found no circular, PDF or press release that confirms new subject combinations for the 2026 WASSCE.
WAEC’s confirmed updates for late 2024 and 2025 focus on two items:
- The planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 examination cycle.
- The publication of new Literature-in-English and language texts for the 2026–2030 cycle.
WAEC’s FAQ section still requires candidates to register a minimum of eight and a maximum of nine subjects. The current core expectations include English, Mathematics, one Nigerian language, at least one science subject, and at least one humanities subject.
Verified statements from WAEC spokespeople
In interviews and statements quoted by mainstream outlets, WAEC officials said the Council would publish any structural changes via official releases. For example, in early October 2025, a WAEC national office representative told journalists that no circular introducing new combinations had been issued. That clarification matches DocuNews Central’s findings.
Coverage by credible media outlets
Several reputable news organisations covered the rumours and related discussions:
- The Nation — noted that WAEC is considering curriculum modernization but emphasised that no official change had been published.
- Vanguard — focused on WAEC’s confirmed CBT rollout and the organisation’s digital plans.
- Daily Trust — reported stakeholder reactions and reminded readers to await official circulars.
- Legit.ng — published analysis and quoted education experts advising caution.
These outlets provided useful context and reaction pieces, but none reproduced or linked to a WAEC circular that lists new subject combinations for 2026.
Why the rumour gained traction
The rumour spread quickly for several reasons. First, students and schools rely heavily on early guidance to plan registrations, so any hint of change triggers urgency. Second, WAEC’s move to CBT made the public assume other reforms, including subject restructuring, would follow. Finally, social posts and some blogs presented AI-generated graphics that looked official, which misled many readers.
Fact-check summary
| Claim | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| WAEC released official 2026 subject combinations | Unverified / False | No circular on WAEC official site or verified handles |
| WAEC to implement CBT by 2026 | Confirmed | WAEC statements and reports by Vanguard and other outlets |
| New Literature texts for 2026–2030 | Confirmed | Published on WAEC Nigeria official site |
What educators and experts say
School leaders and education consultants urged calm. Principals stated they will not amend timetables or registration plans without a WAEC circular. Education experts reminded the public that WAEC operates across member states. Thus, any significant change would follow several rounds of consultation and formal approval.
Practical guidance for students and parents
To avoid unnecessary disruption, follow these steps:
- Continue preparing under the current subject structure (minimum eight, maximum nine subjects).
- Check WAEC’s official portal at waecnigeria.org for verified circulars.
- Use the WAEC registration portal (registration.waecdirect.org) for official subject listings during registration.
- Begin practice for computer-based testing, since CBT implementation is confirmed.
- Avoid sharing or acting on social posts that lack official WAEC links or documents.
Possible future reforms
Observers believe WAEC may eventually review subject combinations to align with international standards, promote vocational skills and streamline assessments for CBT logistics. Potential reforms could include adding modules in entrepreneurship, digital skills or technical education. Nonetheless, such changes would follow extensive consultation and an official roll-out timeline.
The harm of fake educational news
Misinformation around exams causes panic, disrupts school administration and misleads students. DocuNews Central has documented prior incidents where false reports forced schools to reverse hastily made decisions. For this reason, education stakeholders must verify updates before acting.
Social media reactions
On platforms like X, students called for clearer communication from WAEC. Many posted screenshots of alleged circulars, which later proved to be fabricated. The public response underscores how urgent and transparent official communication needs to be.
Conclusion
After careful verification, DocuNews Central concludes that WAEC has not released any official subject combinations for the 2026 WASSCE. Confirmed WAEC updates concern CBT adoption and new literature texts. Students and schools should therefore continue to use the existing subject structure until WAEC publishes formal circulars.
For credible education updates, follow DocuNews Central and verified WAEC channels. We will publish a verified update immediately if WAEC issues a new circular.
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