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Nigerian: WAEC to Introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for WASSCE from 2026

21st October 2025

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | October 21|Nigerian: WAEC to Introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for WASSCE from 2026

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced a full transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for WASSCE from 2026, aiming to modernize assessment, reduce malpractice, and align with global standards.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has confirmed plans to begin Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) starting in 2026. The reform marks a historic shift from traditional paper-based testing to a modern, technology-driven model intended to improve fairness, transparency, and speed in the examination process.According to Dr. Amos Dangut, WAEC’s Head of National Office (Nigeria), the council has already piloted digital examinations for private candidates and is preparing for a full rollout for school candidates in 2026.“We have conducted five exams already — one for private candidates and one for school candidates. By 2026, deployment will be massive,” Dr. Dangut said, as reported by Punch News and MasterWAEC.com.

Why WAEC Is Moving to CBT

The transition to CBT is part of WAEC’s long-term modernization agenda designed to reduce examination malpractice, cut logistical costs, and ensure faster result processing.For decades, WAEC has relied on manual script marking and physical transport of papers across member states — a process that often led to delays and occasional loss of scripts. CBT eliminates these challenges by digitizing the entire assessment process.Education analysts describe this reform as a “necessary digital leap” that will bring West African education closer to international standards seen in exams like IELTS, SAT, and TOEFL.

Challenges of the Old Paper-Based System

WAEC’s paper-based testing has faced several long-standing issues, including:

Delays in Result Processing — Manual marking and transport of scripts caused weeks of delay.
Exam Malpractice — Paper leaks and impersonation were frequent challenges.
High Logistical Costs — Printing, transport, and security consumed a large portion of WAEC’s budget.
Human Error — Script loss and wrong markings affected result accuracy.
Global Lag — WAEC remained one of the few major exam bodies yet to digitize assessments.

Key Benefits of the CBT Transition

The CBT model is expected to transform examination management in several ways:

Faster Results: Objective questions will be auto-graded, allowing results to be released within days.
Reduced Malpractice: Unique, randomized questions and biometric login will make impersonation nearly impossible.
Greater Fairness: Computer marking removes examiner bias and human error.
Eco-Friendly Process: Digital exams eliminate the need for millions of printed scripts.
Improved Data Management: Results will be stored securely, ensuring integrity and easy retrieval.

2025 NSMQ HIGHLIGHTS:

WAEC’s Three-Phase Implementation Plan

WAEC’s transition to CBT will occur in three major stages:

Phase 1 (2026): Pilot Testing

Initial implementation will begin in selected urban centres equipped with reliable ICT infrastructure. Subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Civic Education will be tested through CBT.

Phase 2 (2027–2028): Expansion

The Council will extend CBT centres to semi-urban and rural areas, supported by ministries of education and ICT partners. A hybrid model combining CBT and paper-based testing may operate during this phase.

Phase 3 (2029 Onwards): Full Digitization

From 2029, all WAEC papers, including essays and practicals, will be fully computer-based. Candidates will type essays, engage with virtual experiments, and submit answers digitally.

Ensuring Inclusivity for Rural and Public Schools

WAEC has pledged to ensure that rural schools and under-resourced institutions are not left behind. Plans include the establishment of regional ICT centres, mock CBT exams, and digital literacy training for teachers and students across member states, including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.

Preparing Students for the New WAEC CBT Era

Experts have urged students to start early preparations for the 2026 CBT era by improving their computer literacy, typing skills, and digital navigation speed.Students can practice using online WAEC mock tests on platforms like MasterWAEC.com, which simulate the real exam environment.Key preparation tips include:

Learn to use a mouse and keyboard efficiently.
Practice navigating on-screen questions.
Manage time under digital exam conditions.
Build confidence through regular online practice.

Expert Commentary and National Reactions

Education think tanks across West Africa, including Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) and Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC), have praised WAEC’s decision but urged the council to address infrastructural gaps before rollout.Policy analysts have also emphasized the importance of digital training for invigilators, consistent internet connectivity, and backup systems to prevent disruptions.

The Road Ahead

The WAEC CBT reform represents a major shift in West Africa’s education landscape. It promises transparency, faster grading, and a globally relevant assessment process — if implemented effectively.As the 2026 pilot approaches, both students and schools are encouraged to adapt early to ensure a smooth transition to the digital examination era.

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