WAEC Makes NIN Compulsory for 2027 WASSCE School Candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) will become a compulsory requirement for the registration of candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, effective from the 2027 examination.

The development was contained in a letter dated September 29, 2026, addressed to school principals by the WAEC Zonal Office in Ikeja, Lagos.

NIN NOW REQUIRED FOR 2027 WASSCE REGISTRATION

According to the notice, the decision follows the resolution of the National Staff Examinations Committee (NOSEC), which approved the compulsory use of NIN for the registration of school candidates for WASSCE.

Consequently, candidates intending to participate in the 2027 WASSCE for School Candidates will be required to provide a valid National Identification Number (NIN) before their registration can be completed.

This means prospective candidates will need to have their NIN available when the registration exercise begins.

WAEC ADVISES CANDIDATES TO OBTAIN NIN AHEAD OF REGISTRATION

WAEC has advised prospective candidates to obtain their NIN before the commencement of the 2027 registration exercise.

The Council said this is aimed at ensuring a seamless registration process and avoiding possible delays for candidates who may not have obtained their identification number before registration.

Schools and principals are therefore expected to inform prospective WASSCE candidates about the new requirement and encourage them to make the necessary preparations ahead of registration.

NEW REQUIREMENT TO TAKE EFFECT FROM 2027

The compulsory NIN requirement will apply specifically to the WASSCE for School Candidates 2027 registration exercise.

Candidates preparing for the examination should therefore take note of the new requirement and ensure that they obtain a valid NIN before attempting to complete their registration.

The latest directive represents an additional identification requirement for candidates registering for the examination and is expected to form part of the registration process from 2027.

WHAT CANDIDATES SHOULD DO

Prospective 2027 WASSCE candidates are advised to:

• Obtain a valid National Identification Number (NIN) ahead of registration.
• Keep their NIN details available when the WASSCE registration exercise begins.
• Provide accurate personal information during registration.
• Follow registration instructions issued by their schools and WAEC.
• Monitor official WAEC announcements for further information concerning the 2027 examination.

Schools are also encouraged to communicate the requirement to eligible students early enough to allow them sufficient time to obtain their NIN.

The notice was signed by Umeokeke C. C. (Mrs.), Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator, WAEC, Ikeja.