The West African Examinations Council issues the original WAEC result or certificate, a formal document that serves as proof of your successful completion of the WAEC exams.
Unlike the WAEC result printout or statement of result, which can be printed from the official WAEC portal, the original WAEC result is a physical certificate issued a few months after the exam.
It includes details of all your subjects, scores, and personal information validated by WAEC, and it is usually required for applications to tertiary institutions, employment, and other official purposes.
When Can You Get Your Original WAEC Result?
The original WAEC result is not issued immediately after exams are completed.
After the results are released online, it typically takes about three months for the certificates to be sent to various secondary schools.
Candidates are expected to collect their original WAEC certificates from the school they attended.
For private candidates who sat for WAEC independently, collection times and venues will vary and may take a bit longer, depending on WAEC’s processing timeline.
Where Can You Collect Your Original WAEC Result?
For school candidates, the original WAEC result can be collected directly from the secondary school where the exams were registered.
Private candidates, however, will need to collect theirs from designated WAEC offices across Nigeria.
WAEC recommends that students collect their certificates within a few years of issuance to avoid penalties or additional charges.
Ensure to inquire at your school or a WAEC office if you’re uncertain about collection points for private candidates.
How Much Does It Cost to Obtain the Original WAEC Result?
Collecting the original WAEC certificate is normally free of charge for candidates who collect their results within a specified period.
However, WAEC enforces a fine for late collection.
This penalty can increase depending on how long the certificate has been left uncollected, so it’s advisable to pick it up as soon as possible.
The fees for late collection vary each year, so check the WAEC website or consult a WAEC office for up-to-date information.
What Documents Are Required for Collection?
When collecting your original WAEC certificate, you’ll need to provide some identification.
For school candidates, presenting your school ID or examination slip may be required.
Private candidates will need their WAEC registration slips and a valid form of identification, such as a national ID card, passport, or driver’s license.
If someone is collecting it on your behalf, they may need an authorization letter signed by you, alongside their valid identification.
Can You Replace a Lost WAEC Certificate?
If your WAEC certificate is lost or damaged, WAEC has made provisions for a replacement, although they don’t issue duplicate certificates.
Instead, you’ll be provided with a “confirmation of result,” which can serve similar purposes.
You can obtain this by applying directly to WAEC.
The process involves filling out an application form, paying a service fee, and supplying valid identification.
Note that this document can be sent directly to institutions if needed, such as a university or employer, as proof of your WAEC achievements.
How Can You Confirm the Authenticity of Your WAEC Certificate?
Authenticity verification of WAEC certificates is essential to prevent cases of forgery.
Employers and educational institutions often require that candidates’ WAEC results be verified.
WAEC offers a result verification service on their website, which allows you to input your examination details to confirm your result status.
Additionally, WAEC provides institutions with access to verify certificates directly from their portal, ensuring the results presented are genuine.
Why Is the Original WAEC Result Important?
The original WAEC certificate is essential as it is a permanent record of your academic performance in secondary school.
Unlike the provisional online result slip, which can only be used temporarily, the original WAEC certificate is required for major educational and career-related processes, both locally and internationally.
Having this certificate helps ensure you’re ready for opportunities that may arise in the future, from educational pursuits to job applications.