January 22, 2026
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that the National Identity Number (NIN) will become a compulsory requirement for the registration of candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, starting from the 2026 examination year.
WAEC said the directive follows an instruction from the Honourable Minister for Education and will be strictly enforced nationwide.
In a notice issued to school principals, examination officers and other stakeholders, the Council directed all secondary schools to ensure that every candidate presented for the 2026 WASSCE for School Candidates possesses a valid NIN. According to WAEC, the NIN will be required during the online registration process, and candidates without a valid NIN will not be able to complete their registration.
The examination body further advised schools to immediately begin sensitising parents, guardians and prospective candidates on the new requirement. Schools were urged to encourage candidates who are yet to obtain their NIN to visit enrolment centres of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to complete their registration.
WAEC emphasised that the policy is mandatory and forms part of efforts to strengthen the integrity and credibility of the examination process.
The announcement was signed by the Katsina State Branch Controller of WAEC, Dr Busari M. O., on behalf of the Head of the National Office.
