The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has intensified its preparations to fully switch to computer-based testing for the May/June 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.
As part of its awareness campaign, WAEC officials on Wednesday visited different parts of Lagos — including Yaba, Ojo, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Maryland, and Surulere — to educate students, parents, and teachers on how the new Computer-Based WASSCE (CB-WASSCE) will work.
The team, led by Dr. Amos Dangut, Head of the National Office, held roadshows, community talks, and shared materials explaining the benefits of the digital examination system.
Dangut said the move would modernise Nigeria’s education assessment system and bring it in line with international standards.
“We are masters of the game. Every candidate who registers for CB-WASSCE 2026 will write their exam, whether in Nigeria or abroad. CB-WASSCE is the way to go; it is the future of examinations,” he said.
He explained that the transition would reduce cheating, remove logistical challenges, and improve the credibility of results.
“Computer-based examinations will reduce fraud and malpractice. Our records show that in the five computer-based exams we have conducted so far, malpractice rates dropped, and performance improved. So, there is nothing to fear,” he said.
Dangut also assured candidates, especially those in rural areas, that internet connection or location would not stop them from writing the exam.
He urged parents to support their children in learning basic computer skills, saying digital literacy was now essential for success.
“We are ready to place Nigeria among the comity of nations using technology to advance education,” he said.
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WAEC began the shift to computer-based exams in 2024 for private candidates, using a hybrid format where multiple-choice questions were taken on-screen while essay and practical papers remained on paper.
According to Moyosola Adesina, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, private candidates for the November 2025 WASSCE will be able to access an online testing portal starting Friday to practice the new system.
“The link for school candidates will also be released ahead of the May/June 2026 exams,” she added.
Adesina said schools with computer labs would help students access the portal to familiarise themselves with the exam format.
During the sensitisation rally in Yaba, student Chigozie Ojiofor and teacher Mr. Olawale Mike described the event as “an eye-opener,” saying it helped them understand how the new exam system will work.
Dangut also addressed concerns about changes to subjects on the registration portal, saying WAEC was simply following government directives to streamline trade subjects.
“Some have alleged that we removed certain subjects arbitrarily, but that’s not true. The Federal Government directed the streamlining of trade subjects, and WAEC complied. Some subject names have changed, but the curriculum and learning outcomes remain the same,” he clarified.
With its campaign theme “CB-WASSCE: New Way, Same Destination,” WAEC says the digital transition will make Nigeria’s exam system faster, fairer, and more credible.