03. September 2025
Admin
WAEC Vows Full Transition to CBT for WASSCE by 2026
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially confirmed its plan to fully migrate the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format by the year 2026. This transition will streamline exam delivery and enhance the credibility of results through improved digital integrity.
Rolling Out in Phases
Starting November 2025, WAEC will conduct CBT for objective (multiple-choice) sections of the WASSCE—beginning with private candidates and expanding to school-based candidates. By May/June 2026, the plan is to implement CBT for both objective and essay sections nationwide.
Why CBT Matters
This conversion from paper to digital exams is designed to:
- Reduce examination malpractice through randomized questions and secure networks
- Speed up result processing
- Align Nigerian assessments with global standards
Challenges Ahead
Experts warn the timeline may be too aggressive. Key hurdles include:
- Insufficient digital infrastructure and electricity in rural areas
- Limited access to computers and reliable internet
- Need for digital training for students and teachers
Note: WAEC’s head of office reports that candidate performance in CBT formats has been “empirically better” than in traditional paper exams—a promising indicator of the system’s potential.
Next Steps for Schools and Students
- Schools must liaise with accredited CBT centers to arrange registration and testing
- Students should familiarize themselves with CBT formats via mock platforms and digital practice
- The government and education bodies should accelerate infrastructure development, especially in remote regions
As WAEC leads this modernization effort, stakeholders—including parents, schools, and state authorities—must collaborate to ensure the transition to CBT is inclusive, effective, and equitable.
