The Federal Government and the National Assembly have expressed support for the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) plan to fully transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026, a decision that previously sparked debate among stakeholders.
During a sensitization meeting in Abuja with National Assembly members and key stakeholders, the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, emphasized that the nationwide adoption of CBT would revolutionize and fortify the framework for assessing students in Nigeria’s education system.
Alausa explained that the government supports the move to CBT to curb examination malpractices and enhance the integrity of the examination process.
“We have undertaken to migrate public examinations to computer-based technology as a deliberate step to secure the integrity of our education system. While some initially opposed this transition, we knew that business as usual could no longer suffice,” Alausa stated.
“The shift to designated computer-based centres will drastically reduce malpractice and safeguard the credibility of our examinations. This will further enhance the reputation and credibility of our examinations both locally and internationally.
“His Excellency, Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is a passionate believer in education, and has often reiterated that education remains the greatest legacy we can bequeath to our children and youth. It is the surest tool for socioeconomic transformation of our country, especially considering our population demography.
“Accordingly, this administration is laying strong and sustainable foundations that will outlive us, ensuring inclusivity for children with special needs and leaving a legacy upon which future governments can build.”
Amos Dangut, WAEC’s Head of National Office, noted that the transition, which started with private candidates in 2024, has shown “significant progress” and is set to expand across the country.
Dangut highlighted plans to introduce mock sessions and online practice platforms to familiarize candidates with the CBT system, ensuring inclusivity for all students.
Addressing concerns about infrastructure and cybersecurity risks, he reassured stakeholders that WAEC has effectively conducted examinations in remote areas without issues.
He further noted that candidates’ performance in CBT has been “empirically better” compared to traditional paper-based tests.
What You Should Know
On September 2, 2025, the Federal Government and National Assembly endorsed WAEC’s plan to fully implement Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for its examinations by 2026, a move aimed at eliminating malpractices and boosting credibility.
Education Minister Maruf Alausa, speaking at a sensitization meeting in Abuja, emphasized the transformative potential of CBT, backed by President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to education as a tool for socioeconomic progress. WAEC’s Amos Dangut reported progress since the 2024 pilot with private candidates, with plans for mock sessions and online practice to ensure accessibility.
Despite concerns about infrastructure, WAEC has successfully conducted exams in remote areas, with data showing better candidate performance in CBT compared to paper-based tests.
