The Federal Government has confirmed that all school-based examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will fully transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.
This major reform was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, during a monitoring visit to a pilot CBT Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) session organised by NECO at Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja.
“We are moving away from the traditional format where WAEC and NECO conduct school-based exams inside classrooms. Going forward, we are adopting the CBT model used by JAMB,” the minister said.
He explained that Nigeria already has thousands of privately-owned and public institution-based CBT centres across the country that can host these exams. According to him, these centres will now play a critical role in the education value chain.
“Schools do not necessarily have the infrastructure, but CBT centres do. This policy will help expand their usage, create jobs, and support entrepreneurs who have invested billions into these facilities,” Alausa added.
Highlighting the economic benefits, the minister said, “These centres are powered by homegrown software and hardware. They’re creating employment, stimulating innovation, and reinforcing President Tinubu’s commitment to digital transformation in every sector.”
Dr Alausa commended NECO for successfully executing the pilot CBT exam, describing it as a clear demonstration of capacity and readiness.
“This marks the first time NECO is conducting its O-Level certificate exam for SS3 students using CBT. When we started this conversation, many doubted it was possible. Today proves them wrong,” he stated.
The Minister also criticised persistent exam malpractice, calling it “madness” that must be stopped. He believes the shift to CBT will drastically reduce leakages, cheating, and unethical practices.
“By November this year, both WAEC and NECO will begin full CBT for objective questions. By 2026, all essay and objective papers will be CBT-based. We are joining the league of JAMB, and we are making serious progress,” he affirmed.
Registrar of NECO, Prof Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, also expressed confidence in the council’s ability to implement the CBT model effectively.
“NECO is fully ready to conduct exams through CBT. Yes, there are infrastructure challenges, especially in remote areas, but that won’t stop us. We are calling on state governments to urgently provide the needed infrastructure,” he said.
Prof Wushishi noted that CBT adoption will enhance examination integrity and improve the global reputation of NECO certificates.
“We are glad that our results and certificates are recognised globally, and this transition will only strengthen that trust,” he added.
He revealed that 1,367,210 candidates registered for this year’s SSCE—NECO’s highest ever. Kano State topped the list with over 137,000 candidates, while Kebbi had the lowest with just over 5,000. The Nigerian International School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, recorded the smallest turnout with eight students.
Lawmakers present at the monitoring exercise also lent their voices in support of the reform.
Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), Senator Ekong Samson, said, “We are in the digital age. Nigeria must move with global standards. We are committed to ensuring this transition succeeds.”
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, Hon. Oboku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa), who monitored the examination at Federal Government Boys’ College, Apo, described the initiative as timely and essential.
“NECO is doing a brilliant job under Prof Wushishi. We are impressed by what we’ve seen today. The students were focused, and the process was smooth,” he said.
