BREAKING: Is WAEC going to be CBT in 2026?

In an unprecedented push toward digital transformation in education, Nigeria’s major examination bodies—WAEC (West African Examinations Council) and NECO (National Examinations Council)—are preparing to fully adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) formats by 2026. While this development aligns with global education trends and promises improvements in speed, transparency, and fairness, it has also ignited nationwide debates over the country’s true readiness. Can Nigeria’s public schools, many of which still struggle with electricity and internet access, meet the demands of digital testing within the next year?

This essay investigates the ongoing national effort, highlights opportunities and risks, and explores what stakeholders, students, and educators are saying about the impending digital revolution in Nigeria’s examination landscape.

---

The 2026 Deadline: An Ambitious Leap

The directive to migrate to CBT by 2026 didn’t come as a soft suggestion—it was delivered as a firm policy initiative. Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, stated earlier this year that all public examination bodies—including WAEC and NECO—must fully transition to CBT formats for both private and school-based candidates.

To kickstart the process, WAEC began conducting its first CBT pilot for private candidates in 2024, with full CBT rollout expected by 2025 for objective papers and by 2026 for theory and practicals. This, according to WAEC officials, will reduce exam malpractice, speed up result processing, and modernize Nigeria’s examination infrastructure.

But even at the planning stage, cracks are starting to show.

---

Nearly 2 Million Students Could Be Left Behind

Over 1.9 million students sat for WAEC in 2024. The vast majority came from public secondary schools, many of which still lack computer labs, internet access, and steady electricity. While elite private schools in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt already use CBT for internal assessments, rural and public school students may never have even touched a computer.

For these students, CBT presents more than a new exam format—it is an unfamiliar digital experience. How do you answer a question if you don’t even know how to log into the system?

---

Digital Literacy: The Elephant in the Exam Room

One of the major criticisms of this CBT transition is the lack of basic digital literacy among Nigerian students. For many candidates, particularly in remote and underserved regions, computers remain alien machines. Though mobile phones are widespread, typing on a keyboard, navigating dropdown menus, and using a mouse are skills students must learn quickly—or risk failing.

Educators have called for urgent training programs in digital skills, not just for students, but also for teachers, invigilators, and school administrators.

WAEC officials have admitted this gap exists but claim ongoing test simulations and public-private partnerships are gradually bridging the divide.

---

Infrastructure Deficit: The Root of the Problem

Nigeria’s digital readiness problem is deeply structural. Reliable electricity supply, stable broadband internet, and adequate computer hardware are not guaranteed in thousands of public schools across the country. Many lack functioning computer labs, and even when computers are available, unstable electricity often renders them unusable.

The CBT rollout thus appears uneven. Wealthier schools may adopt it seamlessly, while public schools, which educate the majority of Nigerian children, could fall behind. Without massive government intervention—particularly in rural areas—the CBT transition risks deepening educational inequality rather than closing it.

---

Government’s Position: Fast-Tracking the Future

Despite mounting criticism, the Federal Government has doubled down on the CBT policy. Officials argue that digitizing examinations will significantly reduce exam malpractice, a persistent problem that has plagued WAEC and NECO for decades. They also point to the success of JAMB, which has been using CBT since 2015, as proof that nationwide digitization is possible.

The government has promised to deploy mobile CBT centres, support schools with solar-powered computer labs, and partner with telecommunications companies to ensure stable connectivity. But as of 2025, these promises remain largely on paper.

---

Pilot Projects: Success or Public Relations?

In early 2024, WAEC conducted a pilot CBT exam for private candidates in select urban centres. The exercise, largely praised by government officials, was intended to test the technical infrastructure and readiness of candidates. Reports from the field, however, were mixed.

While some centres operated smoothly, others experienced server downtime, login failures, and power outages that disrupted exams. In some cases, exams were rescheduled entirely. Critics argue that these pilots, while helpful, represent ideal conditions that don’t reflect the challenges in under-resourced schools.

---

Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders

Teachers and Principals

Many public school principals are worried. They say their schools lack the basic facilities required for CBT and question the fairness of expecting students to adapt within such a short timeframe. Without massive investment in infrastructure, these educators believe the 2026 goal will set up students to fail.

Parents

Parents in urban areas are generally supportive, seeing CBT as a step toward educational modernization. But those in rural communities feel anxious and alienated, fearing their children will be unfairly penalized.

Students

For tech-savvy students, the transition is welcome. They appreciate the speed and convenience of CBT. But for others—especially those who’ve never taken a digital exam—there’s confusion, anxiety, and fear of the unknown.

---

ASUU and Academic Bodies Weigh In

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), though not directly involved in secondary education, has expressed concern about the hasty nature of the rollout. They have called for a national digital readiness audit before further CBT expansion, warning that “digital reform without digital equity is policy theatre.”

WAEC, in response, says it is working with both local and international partners to improve digital infrastructure across the country. Still, many believe the rollout is happening too fast and without enough transparency.

---

Is CBT the Solution to Exam Malpractice?

One of the key drivers behind the CBT initiative is the desire to curb exam malpractice. WAEC and NECO have both suffered widespread reputational damage due to question leaks, impersonation, and collusion between students and invigilators.

CBT, proponents argue, can help address these issues by:

• Randomizing questions across candidates
• Preventing access to paper scripts
• Enabling real-time monitoring

But critics caution that digital malpractice is still possible. Without secure software, CBT exams can be manipulated, either by hacking or by exploiting system vulnerabilities. Moreover, poor supervision at exam centres could allow students to cheat, just as in traditional exams.

---

The Way Forward: Practical Recommendations

To ensure a smooth transition, experts recommend the following actions:

1. Infrastructure investment: The government must urgently deploy power solutions, high-speed internet, and computers to thousands of public schools—especially in rural areas.
2. Digital training: Both students and teachers need structured CBT tutorials and mock tests to build confidence and competence.
3. Phased rollout: Instead of a blanket switch, the transition should follow a phased strategy—beginning with private schools and urban centres before expanding outward.
4. Stakeholder engagement: The Federal Ministry of Education must hold regular consultations with schools, parents, and education bodies to evaluate and refine the implementation plan.
5. Monitoring and evaluation: Independent monitors should be appointed to assess the readiness of each school and publish transparent reports.

---

Conclusion: Opportunity vs. Reality

The CBT transition could transform Nigeria’s education system, making examinations faster, fairer, and more efficient. But to realize this vision, the country must confront deep-rooted challenges—from power and internet deficits to digital literacy and inequality.

The 2026 deadline is both a goal and a test. If Nigeria succeeds, it may become a model for other African countries. If it fails, it risks alienating millions of students and undermining trust in the nation’s education system.

One thing is clear: the clock is ticking.