Nigeria is preparing for a landmark change in student assessment as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) confirmed that all candidates will take their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) via computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026.
The announcement was made by Dr Amos Dangut, WAEC’s Head of National Office, during a sensitisation session with members of the National Assembly Committee on Education in Abuja. He explained that the phased rollout began in 2024 and has since expanded, with thousands of candidates already sitting CBT exams successfully.
Dangut said the decision was driven by the need to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s qualifications and bring them in line with international standards. To ensure a smooth transition, WAEC plans to introduce nationwide mock tests and online practice platforms. “No student will be left behind. We have proven that exams can be conducted in both urban and remote areas without interruption,” he assured.
He also dismissed fears over cyber threats, noting that computer-based sessions had recorded higher efficiency and better candidate performance compared with traditional paper formats.
The initiative has drawn strong backing from policymakers. Senator Ekong Samson, representing the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, pledged that the legislature would boost funding to support the rollout. Similarly, Representative Oboku Oforji called for the establishment of CBT centres in every local government area.
Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa welcomed the development, describing it as a “historic turning point” for Nigeria’s education system. He highlighted other reforms under way, including curriculum restructuring, the deployment of smart learning tools, and improved school infrastructure.
“For over seventy years, WAEC has shaped education across West Africa,” Alausa said. “This transition to computer-based examinations will safeguard credibility, create opportunities, and prepare young Nigerians for a technology-driven future.”
