The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) have announced plans to rely on accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and those owned by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), rather than schools, as primary venues for conducting digital Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCEs) beginning in 2026.
This follows an earlier directive from the Federal Ministry of Education mandating all national examination bodies to transition fully to computer-based testing from 2026. The directive is part of the government’s broader digital transformation agenda aimed at improving examination integrity, operational efficiency, and alignment with international best practices.
This development was revealed during the May edition of the monthly education dialogue hosted by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), where top officials from WAEC, NECO, and the Federal Ministry of Education participated as panelists under the theme: “CBT for SSCE: Is Nigeria Ready?”
Speaking at the virtual session, NECO’s Registrar, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, confirmed that the examination body would tap into JAMB’s existing network of accredited CBT centres as well as facilities operated by NOUN to host candidates. This, he said, is a strategic response to the infrastructural limitations in most secondary schools across the country.
“We cannot rely solely on schools because the vast majority of them lack the necessary ICT infrastructure, including functional computers and stable power supply,” Wushishi said. “Our plan is to adopt the JAMB model by using credible and well-equipped CBT centres. We will also use some well-prepared schools that meet the required standards.”
WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, echoed this position, noting that the transition to CBT aligns with global trends and is essential for curbing exam malpractice and improving result processing speed.
“WAEC has already begun experimenting with CBT mode in selected schools during the ongoing May/June SSCE. While there are challenges, the benefits outweigh the risks,” Dangut noted. “JAMB has had decades of experience conducting CBTs successfully, and we’re learning from that.”
Addressing the public concern raised by recent glitches during JAMB’s UTME, Dr. Dangut maintained that isolated technical failures are not sufficient reason to abandon the CBT model, which he described as more secure and future-focused.
To ease into the new format, NECO will begin with its November/December exam for private candidates this year. “This exam records fewer enrolments than the school-based SSCE, which sees about 1.4 million candidates. It’s the logical first step,” Prof. Wushishi said.
On the policy front, the Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to seeing the transition through. Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Basic and Secondary Education, said the digital switch is non-negotiable and stakeholders must collaborate to make it a success.
“CBT is the only path forward. It’s not about whether we’re ready; it’s about being determined to make it work,” she said, urging institutions and stakeholders to invest in resources and infrastructure that will enable the transition.
Earlier in his opening remarks, EWAN Chairman, Mr. Mojeed Alabi, said Nigeria can no longer afford to be complacent in education reform.
“Recent examination mishaps show we must modernise. Embracing CBT is a step toward restoring public confidence,” he said.
The transition to CBT for SSCEs comes amid growing scrutiny of WAEC and NECO’s logistical preparedness. The May/June 2025 English Language Paper 2 was delayed by hours in many centres nationwide, prompting public outcry and an apology from WAEC.
Despite the challenges, both WAEC and NECO reiterated their commitment to delivering credible, tech-driven examinations from 2026 onward—with JAMB and NOUN’s CBT infrastructure serving as the new backbone.
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