FG, National Assembly Back WAEC’S 2026 Switch to Computer-Based Tests 

The Federal Government and the National Assembly have thrown their weight behind the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) as it prepares to migrate fully from paper-based exams to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.

The decision, which initially stirred controversy, was reaffirmed at a sensitisation meeting in Abuja in 2025, where Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, explained that the reform would transform Nigeria’s assessment system. According to him, the transition to CBT is not only about modernising examinations but also about restoring trust and credibility.

“We have undertaken to migrate public examinations to computer-based technology as a deliberate step to secure the integrity of our education system. While some initially opposed this transition, we knew that business as usual could no longer suffice,” Alausa said.

He stressed that the use of designated computer-based centres would help curb malpractice and enhance confidence in Nigeria’s education standards. “The shift to designated computer-based centres will drastically reduce malpractice and safeguard the credibility of our examinations. This will further enhance the reputation and credibility of our examinations both locally and internationally.”

Alausa also linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s vision for education, noting: “His Excellency, Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is a passionate believer in education, and has often reiterated that education remains the greatest legacy we can bequeath to our children and youth. It is the surest tool for socioeconomic transformation of our country, especially considering our population demography. Accordingly, this administration is laying strong and sustainable foundations that will outlive us, ensuring inclusivity for children with special needs and leaving a legacy upon which future governments can build.”

WAEC’s Head of National Office, Amos Dangut, also gave an update on the rollout. He noted that the new testing method, first introduced for private candidates in 2024, had made “significant progress” and would now be scaled up nationwide.

Dangut assured stakeholders that mock exams and online practice platforms would be available to help students adapt. He further emphasised that the council had successfully managed logistics in remote areas and was confident no candidate would be disadvantaged.

He added that results so far had been encouraging: candidates sitting CBT “had been empirically better” than those taking paper-based exams.