Daniel Otera
The Federal Government has announced that all school-based examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will fully migrate to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during a monitoring visit to a pilot CBT session of the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) organised by NECO at Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja.
“We are moving away from the traditional paper-based format. From now on, WAEC and NECO exams will adopt the CBT model already used by JAMB,” Alausa stated.
The minister highlighted that Nigeria already has thousands of CBT centres across the country—both private and public—that can host the exams, which will help reduce infrastructure pressure on schools.
“Schools may lack adequate infrastructure, but CBT centres are well equipped. This shift will boost the usage of these facilities, create jobs, and support investors who have put billions into this sector,” he said.
Alausa emphasised the economic benefits of the policy, noting that most CBT centres are powered by homegrown technology. “They are generating employment and driving innovation, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision of digital transformation in all sectors,” he added.
The minister also lauded NECO for successfully conducting its first pilot CBT exam for SS3 students. “When we started discussing this transition, many doubted it was possible. Today, NECO has proven its capacity and readiness,” he said.
Alausa, who condemned rampant exam malpractice, said the CBT model would help curb cheating and unethical practices. “By November this year, both WAEC and NECO will begin full CBT for objective questions. By 2026, all papers—essay and objective—will be CBT-based,” he announced.
NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, reaffirmed the council’s readiness for the digital transition despite infrastructural challenges in remote areas. “We call on state governments to provide the needed infrastructure to ensure smooth implementation,” he said.
Prof. Wushishi stressed that CBT would enhance the credibility of NECO’s certificates, which are already globally recognised. He revealed that 1,367,210 candidates registered for the 2025 SSCE—NECO’s highest enrollment ever—with Kano State leading with over 137,000 candidates, while Kebbi had just over 5,000. The Nigerian International School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, had the lowest participation with only eight students.
Lawmakers who monitored the exercise praised the reform. Senator Ekong Samson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), said the move aligns Nigeria with global digital standards. Similarly, Hon. Oboku Oforji, Chairman of the House Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, described the initiative as “timely and necessary,” commending NECO’s smooth conduct of the pilot CBT exams.