The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says its planned transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) from 2026 will eliminate logistics bottlenecks, strengthen examination integrity, and reshape how Nigerian students are assessed.
Speaking at the WAEC State Committee meeting hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education at the Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja, Mr. Rafiu Atoyebi, WAEC’s Zonal Coordinator, said the digital shift represents a landmark phase in modernising the Council’s examination system and tackling long-standing issues of logistics, delays, and credibility.
According to Atoyebi, WAEC will adopt a hybrid CBT model beginning with a pilot phase in selected subjects to be conducted at JAMB-accredited centres nationwide. The system, he explained, is being introduced to phase out the challenges associated with paper-based examinations, including late distribution of materials, delayed results, and increased exposure to malpractice.
According to Atoyebi, WAEC will adopt a hybrid CBT model beginning with a pilot phase in selected subjects to be conducted at JAMB-accredited centres nationwide. The system, he explained, is being introduced to phase out the challenges associated with paper-based examinations, including late distribution of materials, delayed results, and increased exposure to malpractice.
“The full transition,” Atoyebi said, “will eliminate logistics bottlenecks, enhance examination credibility, and drastically reduce incidents of examination malpractice.”
He noted that the move aligns with WAEC’s broader digital transition strategy, which already integrates technology across examination registration, testing, result processing, and verification.
While acknowledging concerns about Nigeria’s infrastructure readiness, especially internet connectivity in rural areas, Atoyebi assured that all registered candidates for the 2026 WASSCE will be accommodated, either through onshore or offshore testing arrangements.
WAEC: Digital shift to test readiness of schools and students
The Council’s decision signals a major policy shift for millions of Nigerian students, teachers, and schools that will now need to adapt to digital testing environments. Analysts say the new CBT format will demand improved ICT infrastructure, digital literacy among students, and retraining of teachers to guide candidates through the transition.
Education experts believe the initiative could accelerate technology adoption across Nigeria’s school system, deepen digital competence among learners, and enhance the credibility of one of West Africa’s most critical examination systems.
Lagos pledges support for WAEC’s digital future
Chairing the meeting, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, reaffirmed the State’s collaboration with WAEC and commitment to maintaining examination standards.
While acknowledging concerns about Nigeria’s infrastructure readiness, especially internet connectivity in rural areas, Atoyebi assured that all registered candidates for the 2026 WASSCE will be accommodated, either through onshore or offshore testing arrangements.
He also announced a restructuring of the WAEC State Committee to align with the current Lagos education framework—replacing the Inspectorate Division with the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) with the Parents Forum (PF).
The new committee includes the six Tutor-Generals/Permanent Secretaries representing Education Districts I to VI, and the Permanent Secretary of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
Alli-Balogun reiterated Lagos State’s zero-tolerance policy for examination malpractice, stressing that all contraventions and sanctions will be communicated directly to schools through the Ministry.
The meeting was attended by senior education officials including Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education; Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, Permanent Secretary, TESCOM; and Tutor-Generals/Permanent Secretaries Dr. Olufunke Oyetola, Mr. Segun Osinaike, Mr. Sanni Layemo, and Mrs. Mojisola Yussuf representing the six education districts.
The 2026 digital transition, WAEC says, is not merely an operational upgrade—it is a transformational shift that will prepare Nigeria’s students for a future defined by technology, innovation, and data-driven education systems.
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