Abuja: The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reaffirmed its readiness to fully implement Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) by 2026. The Head of National Office, WAEC, Dr. Amos Dangut, shared this during a sensitization event for the National Assembly Committee on Education in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dangut emphasized that the transition to CBT has already begun, assuring that no candidate will be disadvantaged in the process. The shift aims to enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s certificates and align with global assessment standards. To aid students’ preparation, WAEC plans to introduce mock sessions and online practice platforms before the main examinations.
Dr. Dangut highlighted that Nigeria’s first-ever CB-WASSCE was conducted in 2024 for private candidates in a hybrid format. Building on this success, the council deployed the system for school candidates in 2025, noting significant progress. He affirmed that by 2026, the exams would be conducted on a large scale, similar to JAMB, with preparatory mock exams.
Addressing concerns over infrastructure, Dangut assured that all students, regardless of their location, would have access to the exams. He stated, “We have conducted exams even in hard-to-reach areas, so infrastructure will not stop this program.”
Regarding fears of cyber-attacks or system failures, Dangut dismissed such concerns, noting that CBT exams have been smooth with improved candidate performance compared to paper-based exams. The sensitization campaign aims to garner broad stakeholder support for the transition.
Sen. Adamu Usman, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, pledged full support for the CBT initiative, emphasizing the need for increased budgetary allocations to education. Rep. Oboku Oforji from Bayelsa State urged WAEC to establish CBT centers across all local government areas before 2026.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, reiterated the government’s commitment to providing quality education that meets global standards. The transition to computer-based exams aligns with national reforms in education, aiming to transform the sector into a foundation for national development and job creation. Alausa expressed confidence in WAEC’s leadership in this transition, asserting that it would enhance the credibility of examinations in Nigeria.