The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has maintained its plans to transition the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to complete computer-based testing (CBT) by 2026.
Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of the National Office, made the guarantee on Tuesday in Abuja at a sensitization meeting with members of the National Assembly Committee on Education.
He stated that the shift, which began with private candidates in 2024, has made “significant progress” and would be expanded countrywide.
Dangut added that mock sessions and online practice platforms will be implemented to help applicants become acquainted with the system, emphasizing that no student would be left behind.
“We have conducted five exams already, one for private candidates and one for school candidates, and by 2026, deployment will be massive,” he said.
Concerned about infrastructure and cyber hazards, Dangut told stakeholders that WAEC had successfully conducted tests in difficult-to-access places without disruption.
He went on to say that candidates performed “empirically better” on computer-based assessments than on paper tests.
The Senate and House of Representatives have vowed full support for the rollout. Senator Ekong Samson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, stated that parliament would endeavor to enhance educational budget allocations.
Similarly, Rep. Oboku Oforji urged WAEC to set up at least one CBT center in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas by the 2026 deadline.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa described the switch as a “historic step” that aligns with ongoing reforms in curriculum, infrastructure, 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.
