The federal government has insisted on proceeding with the introduction of computer-based testing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination following the growing and appalling trend of rejecting Nigerian certificates by foreign countries, especially African countries, which is the culmination of decades of corruption in the examination process in the country.
Recall that WAEC had earlier given assurance that the new computer-based examination would be made accessible to students in every part of the country, regardless of location or access to technology.
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Head of the WAEC National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, made the pledge about a month ago in Abuja during a sensitization session organized for members of the National Assembly Committees on Education.
He noted that a phased approach was already being executed, beginning with objective questions before expanding to theory and practical components, to allow schools and candidates to adapt.
But given the sensitivity of the matter, many senators and members of the House of Representatives, while lauding the initiative, voiced deep concerns about the country’s uneven access to technology, persistent infrastructural deficits, and low levels of digital literacy among students in rural communities.
The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), Senator Ekong Sampson, cautioned that rushing the nationwide roll-out could “create more problems than it solves.”
Similarly, Senator Victor Umeh noted the importance of fairness and inclusivity, saying that students must not be disadvantaged because of their backgrounds.
Umeh stressed that WAEC must take cognizance of the large number of candidates, adding that for a start, the CBT should be combined with the old process.
He said, “Considering the large number of our children who will sit for the exam—more than those taking JAMB—those proposing this policy should seriously consider these issues. We must ensure our students are well-prepared.
A House of Representatives member, Oboku Oforji (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State), also stressed the need for “proper groundwork” before the 2026 deadline. He specifically urged the government to establish, at least, one fully functional CBT centre in each of the 774 local government areas to bridge the digital divide.
“Such centers would ensure inclusivity, fairness, and accessibility, giving students in rural areas the same opportunities as their urban counterparts,” Oforji said.
However, in response, Dr. Dangut then reassured the lawmakers that WAEC was committed to equity, transparency, and fairness, and stressed that the CBT model would help combat malpractice, speed up result processing, and strengthen the credibility of the examination system.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who is a firm advocate of the CBT exam to curb corruption, also assured parents, teachers, and students that “no child will be left behind in this digital transition.”
But stakeholders in the education sector still have concerns while lending their voices to the matter.
The National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Public Schools, Muhammad Musa, and the National President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Dr. Samira Jibir, though they supported the initiative, stressed that adequate preparation and infrastructural support were indispensable for success.
Some stakeholders noted that the directive by the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, for WAEC, NECO, and other public examination bodies to migrate fully from paper-pencil mode to computer-based examination by 2026 is a misplaced priority and should be reviewed.
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