WAEC’s Digital Leap: Full Computer-Based Exams Set for 2026

Council assures smooth transition as lawmakers push for CBT centres in all LGAs

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that by 2026, all candidates sitting the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will write their papers through Computer-Based Testing (CBT).

Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during a sensitisation meeting with the National Assembly Committee on Education.

He noted that the transition, which began with private candidates in 2024, had already recorded “significant progress” and would be scaled nationwide.

According to him, mock sessions and online practice platforms would soon be rolled out to help students familiarise themselves with the system.

“We have conducted five exams already, one for private candidates and one for school candidates, and by 2026, deployment will be massive,” Dangut stated.

On concerns about cyber risks and rural inclusion, Dangut explained that WAEC had successfully conducted exams in remote areas without disruption. He added that performance outcomes from CBT had so far proven “empirically better” than paper-based tests.

Lawmakers present pledged support for the rollout. Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, Senator Ekong Samson, promised that parliament would push for increased funding to strengthen infrastructure. Similarly, Rep. Oboku Oforji called for WAEC to establish at least one CBT centre in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas before the 2026 deadline.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the migration as a “historic step” that aligns with broader reforms in curriculum and digital learning tools.

“With WAEC leading this transition, we are confident that the credibility and merit-based outcomes of our examinations will be further secured,” he said.

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