Losing your WAEC examination number can feel like a nightmare, especially when you need it urgently for admission, job applications, NYSC registration, or transcript processing. Without your exam number, accessing your WAEC result or certificate becomes difficult — and for many, this delay can cost a golden opportunity.
If you’re searching for how to recover WAEC examination number, you’re not alone. The good news is that your lost WAEC exam number can be retrieved, and this guide will walk you through the proven steps to get it back quickly and correctly.
What is a WAEC Examination Number?
Your WAEC examination number is a 10-digit unique identifier assigned to every candidate who registers for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). It usually has the format:
School Centre Number (7 digits) + Candidate Seat Number (3 digits)
For example: 4030815072
- The first 7 digits represent your school/centre code.
- The last 3 digits are your seat number for that particular exam.
This number is printed on your exam slip and result, and it is required anytime you want to:
- Check your WAEC result online
- Retrieve your original certificate
- Apply for university admission
- Request your transcript
Why Do People Lose Their WAEC Exam Numbers?
Here are some common reasons people misplace their WAEC exam number:
- Lost WAEC exam slips
- Misplaced or damaged certificates
- Failed to write the number down after checking the result
- Long years between sitting for the exam and needing the number again
- Careless handling of academic documents
No matter the reason, the process of recovering your number is the same.
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How to Recover WAEC Examination Number: Step-by-Step Guide
There are three major methods to recover your lost WAEC examination number. Depending on your situation, you may choose the method that works best for you.
Method 1: Visit the WAEC Office (Most Reliable)
This is the official and most recommended method by WAEC.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the WAEC Zonal or State Office where you registered for the exam.
- You can find the closest WAEC office via this official list:
- https://www.waecnigeria.org/ContactUs/WAECOffices.aspx
- Go with the following information/documents:
- Full name (as used during WAEC registration)
- Date of birth
- Year of examination
- Name of the school you sat for WAEC
- Local Government and State of the school
- A valid means of identification (e.g., NIN, Voter’s Card, Driver’s License, or Passport)
- ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 for recovery or search fee (depending on the office)
- Passport photograph (recent)
- Request for Examination Number Recovery:
- At the WAEC office, tell the officer in charge that you want to retrieve your WAEC exam number. Fill out a retrieval or attestation form.
- Wait for the Processing:
- WAEC will manually search their database using the details you provided. This may take a few hours or days.
- Get Your Exam Number:
- Once your record is found, you’ll be issued your WAEC number or an attestation letter with your number included.
Method 2: Contact WAEC Customer Service Online
If you are far from a WAEC office, you can try contacting WAEC support via email or phone.
Contact WAEC Nigeria Support:
- Email: support@waecdirect.org or info@waecnigeria.org
- Phone: 01-9049320
- Official Website: https://www.waecnigeria.org
When emailing, include the following details:
- Your full name (as used in WAEC registration)
- Date of birth
- Year and type of exam (May/June or Nov/Dec)
- Name and location of the school
- The state and LGA where you sat for WAEC
- Request to retrieve your examination number
Important Note: WAEC might still direct you to visit the nearest office physically. So be prepared to do so if necessary.
Method 3: Check Your Old WAEC Result Online (If You’ve Checked It Before)
If you’ve ever checked your WAEC result online in the past, your browser history, printout, or old email may still have the exam number.
Here’s how to try this method:
- Check Your Browser History:
- Look for visits to https://www.waecdirect.org — the official WAEC result portal. If you saved or printed the result, your exam number is shown on the result slip.
- Search Your Email Inbox:
- If you emailed yourself the result or used email-based result-checking platforms like Myschool.ng, search your inbox for keywords like “WAEC result” or “examination number.”
- Search for an Old WAEC Scratch Card:
- If you still have a scratch card or e-PIN used in the past, log in again at https://www.waecdirect.org and reprint the result. Your exam number will be there.
What If You Forgot the Year or School of the Exam?
Sometimes candidates not only forget the WAEC number, but also the year of exam or the school name. In such cases:
- Visit the nearest WAEC office with all possible details (you may remember one or two).
- If you have a photocopy of the certificate, it may help the search.
- Be honest and patient. WAEC officers have access to a deep database and may assist you in identifying your year or exam center.
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Can Someone Else Recover My WAEC Exam Number for Me?
Yes, someone can act on your behalf, but they must carry:
- A signed authorization letter from you
- A photocopy of your valid ID
- The representative’s own valid ID
- All relevant candidate details
Some WAEC offices allow this, while others may insist the original candidate appear in person.
Alternative Solution: Apply for WAEC Attestation of Results
If your exam number can’t be found, or your original certificate is lost/damaged, you can request a WAEC Attestation of Result.
This document contains:
- Your full name
- WAEC exam number
- Subject grades
- Exam year and center
It serves the same purpose as your original WAEC certificate and is accepted by institutions and employers.
Click here to apply for Attestation of WAEC Result
Sample Format for Request Letter (WAEC Number Recovery)
If you’re writing a letter or email to WAEC, here’s a sample:
mathematica
CopyEdit
To: The Zonal Coordinator
WAEC Office, [Insert State]
Subject: Request for Retrieval of WAEC Examination Number
Dear Sir/Madam,
I humbly write to request the retrieval of my WAEC Examination Number. I sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in [Month, Year] at [Name of School], located in [LGA, State].
Below are my personal details:
– Full Name: [Your Full Name]
– Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
– Exam Year: [e.g., 2017]
– School Name: [Full Name]
– Exam Type: [May/June or Nov/Dec]
I have attached a copy of my valid ID and passport photograph as requested. I would appreciate your kind assistance in helping me recover my WAEC number.
Thank you.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Final Tips for WAEC Exam Number Recovery
- Act quickly — don’t wait till you urgently need it.
- Keep all original WAEC documents safe moving forward.
- Back up your WAEC result online or by email.
- Always use correct and consistent personal details during registration to avoid delays.
Useful Links
- 🔗 WAEC Nigeria Official Website
- 🔗 Check WAEC Result Online
- 🔗 WAEC Offices in Nigeria (Contact Page)
- 🔗 WAEC Attestation of Result Application
- 🔗 Myschool WAEC Classroom & Past Questions
Final Words
Losing your WAEC examination number is not the end of the road. With the right steps and patience, you can retrieve your number and continue your journey — whether it’s for admission, job search, or NYSC.
We hope this guide has answered your question on how to recover WAEC examination number. If you found it helpful, share it with someone else who might be facing the same challenge.