FG Directs WAEC, NECO to Adopt Full CBT by 2026

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for all exams by 2026.

This move aims to curb examination malpractice, improve fairness and trust in exam results, and match the standards already used by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Key Highlights

• Implementation Timeline:
  • November 2025: WAEC and NECO will begin CBT with objective papers.
  • May/June 2026: All exams, including essay questions, will be fully computer-based.
• Reasons for the Change:
  • Curb cheating and enhance exam integrity.
  • Improve fairness and trust in exam results.
  • Match the standards already used by JAMB.
• Benefits:
  • Faster result processing.
  • Reduced exam fraud.
  • Improved monitoring and real-time supervision.

What Students and Schools Should Do

• Students: Start building basic computer skills, such as typing and mouse navigation. Practice with CBT mock platforms to get used to answering questions on-screen.
• Schools: Set up ICT labs or upgrade existing ones. Organize CBT training sessions for both students and teachers. Work with government and private tech partners to prepare adequately.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that this change is based on a full review of how exams are run across Nigeria, and it’s a major step in digital education in Nigeria. With this shift, Nigeria’s examination system will align with global standards, ensuring more secure, accurate, and efficient exams.