By Abigail David

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has withheld the results of 167,486 candidates who sat the 2026 Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates over alleged examination malpractice.

Announcing the release of the results in Lagos on Wednesday, the Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, said the withheld results represent 8.59 per cent of candidates who wrote the examination. He noted that the figure is lower than the 9.7 per cent recorded in 2025.

According to Dangut, the alleged malpractice cases include the use of mobile phones in examination halls despite existing restrictions and organised cheating in some schools. He added that some supervisors and invigilators accused of aiding malpractice had been arrested and would face disciplinary action through the appropriate state ministries of education.

WAEC said 1,950,726 candidates sat the examination after 1,959,668 registered across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea. Of those who took the examination, 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54 per cent, obtained credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, while 86.50 per cent earned at least five credits regardless of English and Mathematics.

The council also disclosed that 94.05 per cent of candidates had their results fully processed and released, while 5.95 per cent were still being processed. Candidates sponsored by states owing WAEC will not have their results released until the outstanding debts are settled.

By Anne Azuka

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has called for increased investment in key sectors of the state’s economy, saying Delta can no longer depend solely on oil revenue to drive sustainable growth.

Speaking at the close of the second day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 in Asaba on Tuesday, the governor said the state is prioritising economic diversification through investments in agriculture, livestock, mining, the blue economy, digital innovation, energy and transport infrastructure.

Oborevwori said the summit was designed as a private sector-driven platform to connect investors with viable business opportunities, while the government focuses on providing an enabling environment through supportive policies, infrastructure, security and strategic partnerships. He disclosed that the state had secured land for major investment projects and conducted investment roadshows in countries including China and Brazil to promote Delta’s economic potential.

The governor expressed confidence that partnerships and commitments made during the summit would translate into projects that create jobs, promote industrialisation and strengthen Delta’s economy. During panel sessions, industry experts identified agriculture, livestock, mining, the blue economy and legal reforms as priority sectors for sustainable investment.

Former Poultry Association of Nigeria official Chief Eta Enahoro urged greater investment in poultry and fish farming to boost employment, while Brazilian agribusiness investor Roberto Fonseca announced plans to partner with the Delta State Government on a modern cattle and beef value chain.

Also speaking, Dr. Uche Igwe called for stronger action against illegal fishing, while Mosra Energy Managing Director Ramos Olukayode highlighted Delta’s coal deposits and disclosed plans for a proposed 600-megawatt power plant in Obomkpa.

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

An offshore services expert, Mr. Sunday Ikot, has said existing Federal Government policies are creating significant challenges for indigenous marine and offshore service companies operating in Nigeria.

Ikot, Executive Director (Projects) of BOBELS International & Associates Company Limited, made the remarks while receiving members of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR) during a courtesy visit in Uyo.

According to him, many local operators are struggling despite Nigeria’s local content framework, as regulatory and financial obligations continue to increase while foreign companies dominate offshore contracts.

He said indigenous firms are required to renew multiple operational licences annually at costs exceeding ₦20 million, in addition to taxes and other statutory payments, without what he described as adequate access to business opportunities.

Ikot also said the earlier policy that encouraged technical partnerships between indigenous and foreign companies has not delivered the expected level of participation for local operators in offshore operations.

He called on the Federal Government to introduce support measures, including financial and operational interventions, to help indigenous marine companies remain competitive and contribute to employment generation and economic development.

The BOBELS executive added that the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy presents an opportunity to address longstanding challenges facing indigenous operators.

Earlier, EMR Chairman Harrison Ndifreke said the association’s visit was part of its engagement with stakeholders in the energy, maritime, oil and gas, and blue economy sectors. He said stronger institutional support is needed to help indigenous companies build capacity, create jobs and participate more effectively in emerging offshore opportunities.