WAEC MAKES NIN COMPULSORY FOR 2027 WASSCE SCHOOL CANDIDATES REGISTRATION

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

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

NIN NOW REQUIRED FOR 2027 WASSCE REGISTRATION

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

As a result, 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.

Prospective candidates are therefore expected 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 WASSCE registration exercise.

According to the Council, obtaining the identification number ahead of time is intended to support a seamless registration process and help prevent delays that may arise if candidates have not obtained their NIN when registration begins.

Schools and principals are therefore expected to inform eligible candidates about the new requirement and encourage them to make the necessary preparations early.

NEW REQUIREMENT TO TAKE EFFECT FROM 2027

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

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

The directive introduces an additional identification requirement into the WASSCE registration process and will form part of the registration requirements from the 2027 examination.

WHAT 2027 WASSCE CANDIDATES SHOULD DO

Prospective candidates are advised to:

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

Schools are also encouraged to communicate the new requirement to eligible students early enough, giving them sufficient time to obtain their NIN before registration begins.

WAEC NOTICE TO SCHOOLS

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

Parents, schools and prospective candidates are advised to take note of the new requirement and make the necessary preparations ahead of the 2027 WASSCE registration exercise.

Candidates should rely on official WAEC communications and their schools for further instructions regarding the registration process.

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