The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has clarified that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), will officially begin on Monday, 20th July 2026, and conclude on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, in accordance with the approved examination timetable issued by WAEC.

The Ministry has apologised for the inconvenience caused by an earlier communication which indicated 6th July 2026 as the examination commencement date.

MBSSE acknowledged the concern and anxiety this may have caused to candidates, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders, and appealed for the public’s understanding, patience, and continued cooperation.

Attached to the press release is the final and confirmed timetable issued by WAEC in consultation with MBSSE.

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The Ministry encouraged all BECE candidates to remain calm, continue their revision, and make effective use of the additional time to prepare adequately for their examinations. It also called on parents and guardians to continue providing the moral, emotional, and logistical support their children need during this important period.

School heads, teachers, and education officials have also been urged to ensure that all examination arrangements are completed on time and that candidates receive the necessary guidance and support before and throughout the examination period.

The Ministry further appealed to communities, local authorities, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations, and all education stakeholders to work together to ensure the peaceful, secure, fair, and successful conduct of the 2026 BECE nationwide.

It emphasised that protecting the integrity of public examinations is a shared national responsibility and that every stakeholder has a role to play in maintaining high standards of transparency, discipline, and fairness.