The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will fully transition the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.
Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC’s National Office, announced this on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with the National Assembly Committee on Education.
He said the shift started with private candidates in 2024 and has already shown “significant progress.” The rollout will expand nationwide.
WAEC will introduce mock exams and online practice platforms. These tools will help students adapt to the CBT system. Dangut assured that no candidate would be left behind.
“We have conducted five exams so far for private and school candidates. By 2026, the rollout will be nationwide,” he said.
Regarding infrastructure and cybersecurity concerns, Dangut highlighted that WAEC has conducted exams in remote areas without disruption. Students’ results in CBT have also been better than in paper-based tests.
Lawmakers pledged support. Senator Ekong Samson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, promised to boost funding for education. Rep. Oboku Oforji urged WAEC to establish at least one CBT centre in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas before 2026.
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa called the migration a “historic step.” He said it complements reforms in curriculum, infrastructure, and digital learning.
“With WAEC leading this change, we are confident that our exams will remain credible and merit-based,” Alausa added.
Why CBT Matters
The move to CBT aligns with global trends in education technology. CBT offers faster results, reduces exam malpractice, and provides a more flexible testing schedule. It also allows WAEC to analyse student performance data efficiently and identify areas that need improvement.
WAEC plans to provide extensive training for teachers and students. Schools will receive guidance on handling computer-based exams, and practice platforms will simulate the testing environment. Students will also access tutorials and mock exams online.
Challenges and Solutions
Some stakeholders raised concerns about internet connectivity and technical failures in rural areas. WAEC assures that backup systems and offline testing options will be available. Security measures, including data encryption and secure logins, will protect candidates’ information.
By 2026, WAEC aims to conduct all WASSCE exams via CBT across West Africa. This transition is expected to raise the standard of education and ensure fair, transparent, and merit-based assessments.
