Major reform for WASSCE, backed by FG and Education Ministry
🕊️ Overview
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has confirmed that it will transition completely to a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) system by May/June 2026. This marks one of the most significant changes in the history of the WASSCE, aligning Nigeria’s examination standards with global digital trends.
📅 Transition Timeline
- 2025: Objective (multiple-choice) papers begin moving to CBT format.
- May/June 2026: Full migration—both objective and essay papers will be written on computer systems.
- Exam Venues: Candidates will sit for exams in accredited CBT centers, not traditional classrooms.
🏛️ Government Backing
The Federal Government and the Ministry of Education strongly support the transition. Officials say the modernization will increase exam transparency, reduce malpractice, and improve the integrity of WAEC’s certification process.
The plan also aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and create opportunities for ICT professionals through the expansion of CBT centers nationwide.
⚠️ Concerns From Stakeholders
While many applaud the modernization effort, some educational stakeholders have raised concerns:
- Insufficient power supply and internet access in rural areas
- Low levels of computer literacy in certain communities
- Infrastructure challenges ahead of the 2026 deadline
- Questions about cybersecurity, capacity, and logistics
Teachers’ unions argue that without significant investments, CBT alone will not eliminate malpractice.
💡 Potential Benefits
- Reduced Malpractice: Digital exams are more secure compared to paper scripts.
- Faster Marking & Results: CBT enables quicker processing and automated scoring.
- Better Integrity: Enhances the credibility of WASSCE certificates globally.
- Job Creation: Expands IT support services and increases demand for digital skills.
🔍 What This Means for Students
Students will need to:
- Practice using computers for exams
- Improve typing speed and digital literacy
- Train with CBT-style mock tests
- Become familiar with online question interfaces
Schools are encouraged to set up CBT training centers or partner with accredited facilities to prepare candidates early.
🌟 Final Thoughts
WAEC’s upcoming transition to full CBT represents a bold step toward modernizing education in West Africa. If implemented successfully, it could transform the examination landscape, promote fairness, and place Nigeria firmly on the path toward digital learning excellence.
📚 References
- https://nairametrics.com/2025/04/28/waec-neco-to-adopt-full-computer-based-testing-for-may-june-exams-in-2026-fg/
- https://guardian.ng/news/waec-neco-to-adopt-cbt-for-exams-from-2026/
- https://fmino.gov.ng/fg-unveils-full-transition-to-cbt-for-waec-and-neco-by-2026-commends-necos-pilot-scheme/
- https://nairametrics.com/2025/05/28/waec-cbt-nigeria-wont-fully-meet-computer-based-test-infrastructure-needs-by-november-alausa/
- https://thisdaylive.com/2025/05/28/fg-vows-full-waec-cbt-shift-by-2026-says-minister/
- https://businessday.ng/news/article/waec-insists-on-complete-cbt-switch-for-wassce-by-2026/
- https://telegraph.ng/news/2025/09/02/fg-nass-back-waecs-plan-to-shift-to-computer-based-testing/
- https://nairametrics.com/2025/06/08/nut-faults-waec-neco-shift-to-computer-based-testing-says-it-wont-curb-exam-malpractice/
