WAEC Rejects Claims of Limiting Subject Choices for 2026 Exam Takers

The body overseeing school-leaving tests in West Africa has dismissed rumours that it plans to narrow down the number of subjects available to pupils sitting for the Senior School Certificate Examination next year.

Spokespeople for the West African Examinations Council made the denial clear in a public notice released on Monday, stressing that no such curbs are in place and urging everyone to ignore false stories spreading online. The council explained that its guidelines, set out years ago, already guide how many subjects a single student can pick, aiming to keep things fair and doable for both learners and examiners.

The mix-up seems to stem from a mix of old rules and fresh worries about the workload on those taking the test. The council pointed out that its handbook, which lays out the full details, has not changed in a way that blocks pupils from choosing subjects they need for their future paths, like going on to higher studies or picking a trade.

This comes after a flurry of posts and chats on social media claimed the council was cutting back to just seven or eight subjects per person, sparking anger among parents and teachers who feared it would box in young people’s chances. Some even said it could hurt those aiming for spots in university or other training spots that ask for strong showings in a wide range of areas.

The council’s top official in Nigeria, Mr Amos Dangut, stepped in to set things straight, saying the body values giving students room to shine in what suits them best. He called on schools and families to stick to the handbook’s advice, which lets pupils take up to nine subjects without any new limits kicking in for 2026.

Mr Dangut added that the council keeps a close eye on how tests run and tweaks things only when needed to match real-life needs, like making sure the process stays smooth and trustworthy. He promised that no sudden shifts would catch anyone off guard and asked for help in sharing the right facts to calm nerves.

The handbook spells out that core picks like English, maths, and one from each main group—sciences, arts, or business—must be included, with room for extras based on what the student wants. This setup, the council says, strikes a balance between depth and breadth, helping young people build skills that last.

As the 2026 exams draw near, the council plans to roll out more guides for schools to help them steer pupils towards smart choices that line up with their goals. This latest word aims to clear the air and get everyone back to focusing on strong prep, without the weight of made-up rules holding them back.