How to Retrieve Lost WAEC Certificate

Losing your WAEC certificate can feel like a major setback, especially when it’s the one document standing between you and a dream job, scholarship or university admission.

Whether it vanished during a house move, got destroyed in a fire or flood or simply disappeared over the years, the panic that comes with realizing it’s gone is all too real. Many people find themselves stuck, wondering what steps to take or if they’ll ever be able to replace the lost document.

Fortunately, there’s a practical solution – and you’re about to learn exactly how to retrieve lost WAEC certificate without unnecessary stress.

The truth is, WAEC does not issue duplicate certificates under any circumstances. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Instead, the West African Examinations Council provides a certified replacement called the Attestation of Result. This document is fully recognized and accepted by universities, employers, embassies and government institutions across Nigeria and beyond.

So if you’re searching for how to retrieve lost WAEC certificate, the key lies in requesting this official attestation through the proper procedure.

This offers you a clear, step-by-step breakdown of everything involved – from the documents you’ll need to the fees to expect, where to apply and how long the process takes.

We’re not talking about vague answers or recycled tips; this is a comprehensive, experience-based walkthrough that will save you hours of confusion and possibly even wasted trips. If you’re serious about replacing your lost WAEC certificate, then you’re in the right place.

Can You Truly Retrieve a Lost WAEC Certificate?

The short answer is no – WAEC does not reissue lost original certificates. However, you can get a certified attestation of result, which functions as an official replacement and is accepted by institutions, employers and embassies.

This attestation holds the same weight as your original certificate and is what WAEC offers to candidates who have lost or damaged theirs.

Common Reasons Why People Lose Their WAEC Certificate

Before diving into how to retrieve lost WAEC certificate, let’s look at some real-life situations that often cause certificate loss:

Fire outbreaks
Flooding or natural disasters
Relocation or moving homes
Theft or burglary
Carelessness or misplacement during travel
Destruction by pets, pests or children

Regardless of the cause, the WAEC attestation process is designed to help candidates reclaim their academic identity.

Official WAEC Policy on Lost Certificates

WAEC has clearly stated that they do not re-issue original certificates under any circumstance. However, the council provides a “WAEC Attestation of Results”, which carries:

Your name
Your exam number
Subjects and grades
The year and type of examination
A WAEC watermark and official signature

It serves as a recognized and legal substitute.

Steps on How to Retrieve Lost WAEC Certificate (Via Attestation)

If you’re wondering how to retrieve lost WAEC certificate, follow these steps strictly:

Step 1: Visit the WAEC Office Closest to You

WAEC operates zonal and branch offices across Nigeria. You must go in person to the branch office in the state where you sat for the exam. The council requires face-to-face verification to ensure the validity of claims.

Important: You cannot apply for attestation online.

Step 2: Submit a Formal Application Letter

Write a concise and formal letter requesting for “Attestation of WAEC Result.” This letter should include:

Full name (as used during the exam)
Exam number
Year and type of exam (May/June or Nov/Dec)
State and school of examination
Reason for loss
Signature and date

This document is crucial for processing your request.

Step 3: Provide a Sworn Affidavit from a High Court

You need to swear an affidavit of loss from a reputable high court in Nigeria. It should include:

A declaration of the loss
A statement affirming you’re the owner of the certificate
Signature from the court official

Without this affidavit, your application will be rejected.

Step 4: Include a Police Report

The next step in how to retrieve lost WAEC certificate is to visit a nearby police station and obtain a police report. The report must state:

That the certificate is missing
When it was discovered lost
Your details matching WAEC records

Keep a certified copy and attach it to your application.

Step 5: Provide Photocopy of Lost Certificate (If Available)

If you have a scanned copy or photocopy of your original WAEC certificate, attach it. This will help WAEC locate your result quicker.

If you don’t have any copy, don’t worry – it’s not mandatory, but it can speed things up.

Step 6: Attach Passport Photograph and Valid ID

You must present:

A recent passport-sized photograph
A valid means of identification such as:
- National ID (NIN slip or card)
- International passport
- Driver’s license
- Voter’s card

These are used to match the record with your physical appearance.

Step 7: Pay the Official WAEC Fee

As of the latest update, the official fee to retrieve lost WAEC certificate (i.e., get the Attestation of Result) is between ₦20,000 – ₦25,000, depending on the WAEC office and your exam year.

You’ll be given an invoice and asked to pay via Remita or at a designated bank.

Step 8: Wait for Notification and Collection

After submitting all documents and making payment, WAEC will process your request. It usually takes 2–4 weeks, though some centers can delay up to 2 months depending on backlog.

Once your Attestation is ready, you’ll be contacted via phone or email.

What Happens If You Sat for WAEC Decades Ago?

Even if you wrote WAEC 20+ years ago, the process for how to retrieve lost WAEC certificate remains the same. However:

Records before 1999 may take longer to verify
Some may be archived manually, especially from rural centers
Patience is key

WAEC still honors old results if they can find your exam number and credentials.

Alternative Channels and What Not To Do

There are no online platforms or agents officially approved by WAEC for retrieving lost certificates. Avoid:

Paying agents to “fast-track” the process
Submitting forged documents
Applying in the wrong state

Doing so could lead to permanent disqualification or even arrest.

How to Track the Status of Your Application

Although WAEC doesn’t provide an online tracker, you can:

Call the WAEC office where you submitted your request
Visit the office physically for updates
Keep your payment receipt safe – it has your tracking reference

What to Do While You Wait

If you’re in a hurry for job or visa processing while awaiting the certificate:

Ask WAEC for a provisional printout after payment
Notify your employer or institution of the delay
Use your result checker slip if you have the PIN

These can be accepted temporarily in many situations.

Whether your exam was WAEC GCE (Nov/Dec) or school-based (May/June), the steps for how to retrieve lost WAEC certificate are the same – just ensure you visit the appropriate WAEC office and provide correct exam details.

FAQs About Retrieving Lost WAEC Certificate

Can I retrieve someone else’s certificate for them?

Only with a signed authorization letter and a valid ID of the person you’re assisting.

How long does it take to retrieve a lost WAEC certificate?

Processing takes 2–8 weeks, depending on your exam year and location.

What is the cost of retrieving a lost WAEC certificate?

Costs range from ₦20,000 to ₦25,000, not including transport or affidavit/police report charges.

Can I use the WAEC attestation for NYSC or visa applications?

Yes, it’s fully accepted by:

NYSC
Foreign embassies
Universities
Employers

Will the attestation have the same result as my original WAEC certificate?

Yes, all grades and subjects will appear exactly as in the original.

Can I request attestation more than once?

Yes, but excessive requests may raise flags. Use it wisely.

Can I apply from abroad if I’m no longer in Nigeria?

You must authorize someone to apply on your behalf or return temporarily. WAEC does not process attestation by mail.

What if my exam number is forgotten?

Your school or exam center can help retrieve it. You may also provide your full name, year and school to WAEC for a manual search.

Is the WAEC result checker printout the same as the certificate?

No. It’s a digital summary. Only the Attestation is a certified document with official WAEC seals and signatures.

Can I apply without a police report?

No. The police report and affidavit are mandatory.

Losing your WAEC certificate isn’t the end of the road. Knowing how to retrieve lost WAEC certificate through the Attestation of Result ensures you stay in control. Whether you’re applying for university, a visa or a new job, this process provides you with a legitimate path forward.

Don’t be tempted by shortcuts. Stick to the official method, provide accurate documentation and remain patient. Your academic future doesn’t have to be held hostage by a lost document.

How to Retrieve Lost WAEC Certificate