The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has assured that no student in Nigeria will be excluded from the forthcoming Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE), regardless of location or access to digital infrastructure.
Head of WAEC’s National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, gave the assurance in Abuja during a sensitisation session with members of the National Assembly Committees on Education. The meeting was convened to brief lawmakers on the planned implementation of CB-WASSCE nationwide and to solicit legislative support.
Dr. Dangut revealed that the full transition to computer-based testing is slated for 2026, with a phased rollout already in progress. He noted that the Council has begun administering computer-based objective questions in selected subjects, with plans to extend the format to theory and practical components.
He described the transition as “deliberate and inclusive,” adding that no candidate would be left behind. He said consultations are ongoing with state governments, school proprietors, and education stakeholders to ensure the establishment of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in all regions of the country.
WAEC, he added, is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to address critical infrastructure challenges, including electricity supply, internet connectivity, and the training of personnel to manage the CBT centres.
To ease access, particularly for students in remote areas, WAEC is mapping CBT centres across all 774 local government areas. Dr. Dangut said this would help reduce travel distances and the financial burden on parents, while promoting equity in access to examinations.
He stressed that adopting computer-based testing aligns with global best practices and would help improve the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of Nigeria’s examination system. He added that the digital format is expected to reduce examination malpractice, logistical delays, and result processing bottlenecks.
Dr. Dangut appealed to lawmakers to support the initiative through adequate budgetary allocations and oversight, stressing that timely infrastructure development is key to the successful rollout.
While commending the CB-WASSCE initiative as a forward-thinking step in Nigeria’s education reform, members of the National Assembly raised concerns over the nation’s uneven digital landscape and infrastructure deficits, particularly in rural areas.
Legislators advocated a phased implementation, starting with urban centres where access to power, internet, and computing facilities is more reliable.
They expressed support for the programme but cautioned WAEC against rushing the process, warning that students in underserved communities could be unfairly disadvantaged.
As the 2026 deadline approaches, stakeholders agreed that while the transition to digital examinations is inevitable, its success hinges on careful planning, adequate funding, and equitable access for all students.
