BECE 2026 Kicks Off Today Monday With 619,985 Candidates Nationwide
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is set to commence on today Monday, May 4, 2026, with a total of 619,985 candidates expected to participate across the country.
The Head of Public Relations at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) disclosed that the candidature consists of 304,273 males and 315,712 females, showing a slightly higher number of female candidates for this year’s examination.
In all, the candidates are drawn from 20,784 schools nationwide and will sit for the examination at 2,302 approved centres. The exercise will cover eleven subjects, serving as the key requirement for progression from Junior High School to Senior High School and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
WAEC has scheduled the examination to run from May 4 to May 11, 2026, and has urged all candidates to strictly adhere to the examination guidelines. Candidates are expected to report early to their respective centres and comply fully with all rules, including the ban on mobile phones and other unauthorized materials.
The Council has also reiterated its commitment to maintaining examination integrity, cautioning against any form of malpractice and indicating that strict supervision measures have been put in place.
The BECE continues to serve as a major academic milestone in the country’s education system, determining placement for thousands of learners into the next stage of their academic journey.