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

Speaking at a sensitisation meeting with lawmakers and stakeholders in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, said the nationwide adoption of CBT would strengthen Nigeria’s student assessment system and transform the education sector.

“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.

The minister stressed that the new system would drastically curb examination malpractice and safeguard the credibility of the WAEC examination process.

“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,” he said.

Alausa added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to education as the surest tool for national development.

“Mr. President has often reiterated that education remains the greatest legacy we can bequeath to our children and youth. 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,” he said.

WAEC Defends Transition

On his part, the Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, said WAEC began the transition with private candidates in 2024 and had already recorded significant progress.

He disclosed that mock sessions and online practice platforms would be introduced nationwide to help candidates familiarise themselves with the new system.

“No student will be left behind,” Dangut assured, adding that WAEC had successfully conducted examinations even in remote areas without disruptions.

Naijaonpoint reports that the WAEC chief allayed fears over infrastructure and cyber risks, noting that candidates’ performances in CBT had been empirically better than in paper-based tests.

He stressed that the Council was committed to ensuring smooth operations and inclusivity as the transition scales up nationwide ahead of 2026.