As the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) moves forward on its plans to fully transition to computer-based testing (CBT), it made an announcement for an upgrade of ICT requirements for schools intending to register candidates with new examination modalities.
Among the requirements for schools are that they have at least 250 operational laptops with 10 percent back-up laptops, a server that can run all systems at the same time; reliable internet, and an uninterrupted power with at least a 40 kVA generator. Schools have to install CCTV cameras, local area networks; provide good light, air for candidates, and sufficiently space candidates for orientation.
Effective from 2024 for private candidates, and from 2025 for school candidates, this process is part of WAEC’s plan to eliminate paper testing and fully implement CBT for the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) by 2026. In WAEC’s initial trial with these candidates, they have assessed that they did better in CBT than in previous paper assessments and attributed it to their affiliation and orientation to the CBT exam format.
The Council has worked to engage with schools through mock examinations and other sensitization strategies to prepare students, teachers, and school administrators on the proposed changes; and that candidates in rural and disadvantaged areas would still be included through centralized centres that reflect the ICT infrastructures.
With regard to enrolling schools, the Nigerian government appears to be committed; signs from lawmakers point to support through available resourcing to establish CBT schools throughout the country, and through the Federal Ministry of Education’s blatant promotion that this is a landmark project under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Education authorities noted that this project will elevate the credibility of WAEC examinations, they also think it may lessen examination malpractice, and it will give Nigerian students 21st century skills and exposure to assessment.
WAEC has started the first stages of implementation, albeit not without complications. Earlier in the year, technical difficulties resulted in delayed results for the 2025 WASSCE, as well as inaccurate reporting of figures. WAEC has attributed to exam results of 62.96% of candidates obtaining credit in five subjects including English and Mathematics, which is a decrease from the 72% achieved by candidates in 2024. The Council is continuing to develop its work with the result-checking portal and a commitment to transparency and accuracy.
With less than one-year to prepare for the 2026 deadline, the responsibility is on schools, state governments, stakeholders and collaboration to upgrade incidental facilities to meet WAEC’s digital project aspirations. The CBT however, is not simply intending to change testing methods, it will create a new standardisation for public examinations across West Africa in the 21st century.