Nigerian lawmakers are urging the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to be cautious with its plan to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). They’ve warned that any issues with the 2026 rollout could jeopardize the future of millions of Nigerian students.
WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, had previously reassured lawmakers during a sensitization session that the new computer-based exam would be accessible to all students, no matter their location. He explained that a phased approach would begin with objective questions, then expand to theory and practical components to give everyone time to adapt.
However, many senators and members of the House of Representatives, while praising the initiative, voiced deep concerns about the country’s significant lack of access to technology, poor infrastructure, and low digital literacy among students in rural areas.
Senator Ekong Sampson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), warned that a rushed nationwide rollout could “create more problems than it solves.”
Similarly, Senator Victor Umeh emphasized the importance of fairness and inclusivity. He warned that “there will be a national outcry” if a glitch affects results, stressing that WAEC must adequately prepare to ensure the new system works. Umeh also proposed that the CBT be combined with the traditional paper-and-pencil format at the start.
“If you give them the opportunity to combine the old order with the new one, those who are not sufficiently literate in computer skills can choose to take their exams in the traditional way,” he said.
Another lawmaker, Oboku Oforji, also emphasized the need for “proper groundwork” before the 2026 deadline. He urged the government to establish a fully functional CBT center in each of the 774 local government areas to bridge the digital divide.
In response, Dr. Dangut reiterated that WAEC is committed to ensuring equity and fairness. He assured the lawmakers that centers are being mapped out in every local government area to reduce the burden on students and parents. He stressed that the CBT model would help combat exam malpractice, speed up result processing, and improve the credibility of the entire examination system.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, also assured parents and students that “no child will be left behind in this digital transition.”
Stakeholders in the education sector, including the presidents of public and private school principals’ associations, supported the initiative but also stressed that proper preparation and infrastructural support are essential for its success.
Ultimately, lawmakers collectively agreed that while a digital shift is necessary, WAEC and the Ministry of Education must avoid a rushed rollout that could risk glitches, marginalize rural students, and cause nationwide discontent.
