WAEC Shifts Transition to Computer-Based Testing to 2027, Pilots in 2026

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced a delay in the full implementation of its Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) in Computer‑Based Test (CBT) mode.

The transition, initially directed for 2026, will now take effect in 2027. WAEC said the May/June 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will serve as a pilot phase, allowing candidates to choose between the new CBT format and the traditional paper‑and‑pen method.

Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Chairman of the Nigeria National Committee (NNC) of WAEC and Federal Government Nominee, disclosed the adjustment at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the NNC.

“I want to assure that no candidate sitting the 2026 WASSCE will be disenfranchised in any form,” she said, noting that the pilot phase is designed to ease students, teachers, and schools into the new system.

She explained that WAEC has already begun training senior school students on pilot tests involving tablets and digital pens to respond to essay questions on computers.

Preparations and Curriculum Flexibility

Abdulkadir highlighted WAEC’s preparations for the transition, including infrastructure upgrades, examiner training, and digital literacy programs for schools.

She also addressed the issues relating to subject restrictions under the revised Basic and Secondary School Curricula. “Science students are not barred from taking Economics as an elective to complete their subject selection,” she confirmed.

Additionally, WAEC extended the period for uploading Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) to ensure accurate capturing for all candidates, including those taking new subjects approved for the 2026 WASSCE.

The shift to CBT aligns with the Federal Government’s directive that all examination bodies migrate to computer‑based testing. The policy is intended to modernize Nigeria’s education system, reduce malpractice, and improve efficiency in marking and result processing.

CBT has already been adopted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

WAEC’s transition is seen as a critical step in harmonizing Nigeria’s assessment systems with global standards.

However, stakeholders have raised concerns about infrastructure gaps, especially in rural schools where access to reliable electricity, internet, and digital devices remains limited.

The pilot phase in 2026 is expected to expose these challenges and guide WAEC’s final rollout in 2027.

The pilot will test students’ adaptability to digital exams, particularly in essay‑based subjects where typing speed and familiarity with digital tools may affect performance.

Teachers and administrators will also have new responsibilities in their hands, including preparing students for CBT environments and ensuring compliance with technical requirements.

WAEC has promised to provide support through training workshops, mock CBT sessions, and partnerships with state governments to equip schools with necessary infrastructure.

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