The Federal Government is rolling out a phased transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for public examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) starting from November 2026.
Under the reform plan announced by the Federal Ministry of Education, the shift to CBT will begin with objective questions, in a move aimed at tackling exam malpractice, preventing question leakages, and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s national assessment system.
Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Education Minister, who unveiled the phased rollout plan, says the reform is critical to safeguarding the integrity of national exams and ensuring Nigerian students are assessed strictly on merit.
“This is a necessary reform to ensure Nigerian students are assessed strictly on merit and that their certificates retain value both locally and internationally,” the Ministry says in a statement seen by Technology Times.
Integrity, transparency, and technology
The CBT transition forms a core pillar of Alausa’s education reform agenda, which places strong emphasis on integrity, transparency, and technology adoption across all exam bodies under the Ministry’s supervision.
The announcement follows WAEC’s resolution of a technical glitch that briefly disrupted the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. The incident, tied to the paper serialisation security feature newly introduced in some subjects, was resolved promptly after the Minister was briefed.
WAEC has now updated its result portal, with candidates expected to access their results within 24 hours, the Ministry confirms.
“The Ministry commends the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for its swift response, transparency, and professionalism in resolving the glitch,” the statement adds.
Digital safeguards and exam security
The paper serialisation technology introduced by WAEC is one of several new digital safeguards designed to enhance exam security and oversight. While the recent glitch underscores the technical challenges of integrating new systems into legacy infrastructure, the Ministry says it is committed to tackling such issues through better coordination and investment in digital infrastructure.
Officials highlight that the move to CBT is expected to reduce human interference in the marking process, speed up result turnaround times, and deliver more reliable performance data—all essential for ensuring fairness in high-stakes examinations.
CBT: Phased rollout and pilot testing
WAEC and NECO are to commence the CBT rollout with multiple-choice sections, with plans for gradual expansion to essay and practical components in subsequent exam cycles. The transition will be supported by stakeholder consultations, pilot testing, and capacity-building initiatives ahead of full implementation.
The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the credibility and global recognition of Nigerian examination bodies and says it will continue working with WAEC, NECO, and partners to ensure reforms are inclusive, transparent, and aligned with the evolving needs of learners.
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