The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the complete transition of school-based examinations conducted by WAEC and NECO to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format by 2026. During an oversight inspection of a pilot CBT Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) facilitated by NECO in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that future SSCEs will no longer be administered within school premises but instead at established CBT centres, akin to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) model. He highlighted the vast network of CBT centres already available nationwide, asserting that schools themselves often lack the requisite infrastructure for such transformation.
Dr. Alausa lauded NECO’s effective execution of the pilot CBT exam and underscored the economic and technological potential of the shift. He emphasized that this change not only maximizes the use of the massive investments made by private CBT centre proprietors but also expands employment opportunities and stimulates indigenous technological innovation. The minister expressed pride in the domestic development of digital solutions, asserting that the digital pivot under President Tinubu’s administration is indicative of a broader national strategy to modernize critical sectors, including education.
Looking ahead, the government unveiled a phased approach to the CBT adoption. Starting in November 2025, all multiple-choice components of WAEC and NECO examinations will be fully administered via CBT. By 2026, the digitization will encompass both objective and essay sections, effectively aligning WAEC and NECO with JAMB’s digital framework. Dr. Alausa praised NECO’s leadership, especially the Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, for demonstrating resilience and ingenuity in navigating what many had initially deemed an impossible transition. He also cited the growing challenges of examination malpractice as a compelling reason to embrace the integrity-enhancing potential of CBT.
In his remarks, Prof. Wushishi affirmed NECO’s readiness to adopt the CBT format across all regions, notwithstanding infrastructure gaps in certain remote areas. He called upon state governments to expedite the establishment of CBT infrastructure to ensure nationwide compliance. The registrar emphasized that digitization would bolster examination integrity, reduce malpractice, and further elevate the global recognition of NECO’s certificates. He also revealed that 1,367,210 candidates had registered for this year’s SSCE — the highest in the council’s history — with Kano State leading in enrolment figures.
The legislative arm, represented by the Senate and House Committees on Education, pledged robust support for the transition. Senator Ekong Samson and Hon. Oboku Oforji, who led oversight teams in Abuja, expressed satisfaction with NECO’s progress and reaffirmed the lawmakers’ determination to modernize the nation’s education system. They acknowledged the dedication of students and educators alike and reiterated the importance of aligning Nigeria’s educational practices with global digital standards to ensure competitiveness and credibility.
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