The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has successfully conducted a trial essay-writing test as part of its preparation for the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBT-WASSCE) scheduled to begin fully in 2026.

On the 22nd of July, 2025, the Federal Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the government's commitment to transitioning both WAEC and NECO to full CBT by 2026, according to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) plans to fully switch the WASSCE to a computer-based test (CBT) format by 2026, a process that began in 2024 with private candidates. The full transition will apply to both objectives and theory sections, with all exams held at accredited CBT centers nationwide. To prepare, WAEC is introducing mock sessions and online practice platforms, and has assured that all registered candidates will be able to take the exam regardless of their location.

On the 2nd of September, 2025, WAEC's Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, reaffirmed this plan during a sensitisation meeting with the National Assembly Committees on Education, as reported by Vanguard News.

Recently, on the 10th of October, 2025, Punch Newspapers reported that WAEC ramped up its preparations, including nationwide roadshows to educate stakeholders on the transition for the May/June 2026 exams.

The exercise, which marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s educational digitalisation drive, took place on Thursday 23rd October, 2023 at the WAEC Training and Testing Centre in Ogba, Lagos. It was supervised by the Head of WAEC’s Nigeria National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, alongside key examination officers and ICT specialists from the council.

Preparing Students for a Digital Future

According to Dr. Dangut, the pilot exercise was designed to help students get familiar with the upcoming computer-based format, which will combine objective and essay components in a single digital environment.

“We are preparing candidates for full participation in computer-based examinations while gradually bridging the technological gaps among schools across the country,” he explained. Participating students from selected senior secondary schools were taken through both multiple-choice and essay-writing tasks, using customised WAEC software built to simulate the actual examination interface.

Dangut commended the students for their enthusiasm and adaptability, describing them as pioneers of a new era in West African education. “You are making history today as the first group of students to attempt a full computer-based examination combining both objective and essay questions,” he told the participants.

Why is WAEC switiching to CBT?

WAEC is switching to a computer-based test (CBT) for WASSCE by 2026 to modernize the examination process, enhance security by reducing malpractice, and provide faster results. This shift aligns with global standards, helps bridge the digital literacy gap for students, and is a part of a broader government initiative to upgrade the Nigerian education system.

Key reasons for the shift to CBT include improved security and integrity as CBT is expected to significantly reduce examination malpractice, ensuring a more accurate and credible assessment.Faster results, this is because computer-based testing allows for quicker processing, which will provide students with faster feedback on their performance.Modernization and digital literacy, the move helps prepare students for a digitally-driven future by familiarizing them with the tools they will use in their academic and professional lives.International alignment, the transition brings Nigeria's examination standards in line with international best practices in assessment, and yes this process drives Efficiency because the CBT model is expected to address logistical challenges and ensure greater timeliness in the examination process. Lastly, it has Government support as the initiative is backed by the Federal Government and the National Assembly as part of a wider effort to reform and improve the education sector.

Inclusion for All Schools

While the transition to full CBT is underway, Dr. Dangut stressed that WAEC remains committed to inclusivity and accessibility. “Our goal is to create a system where every student can write conveniently, regardless of location,” he said.

He clarified that while schools with adequate computer facilities will take both components online, those in areas with limited digital access will continue using the traditional paper-based essay format until the necessary infrastructure is provided. This hybrid approach, according to him, will ensure that no student is left behind in the transition process.

Why It Matters

The trial test represents more than a technical upgrade. It is a bold step toward modernising Nigeria’s examination landscape. With the global shift toward digital literacy, WAEC’s move positions West African students for greater competitiveness in both education and employment.

Education experts have long called for the integration of technology-driven assessments to align with 21st-century learning demands. A fully computer-based WASSCE will reduce logistical challenges, enhance security, and speed up result processing, all key concerns in Nigeria’s examination system.

Looking ahead, Dr. Dangut reaffirmed WAEC’s commitment to maintaining the credibility and integrity of its examinations even as it embraces innovation. “Technology-driven examinations are the future of education. We urge students to embrace digital learning, as it holds the key to global competitiveness,” he added.

WAEC also encouraged schools to begin strengthening their ICT facilities and training teachers to guide students through digital assessments ahead of the 2026 rollout.

The 2026 WASSCE is expected to be Nigeria’s first nationwide SSCE computer-based examination, the success of this trial could mark the beginning of a new era, one that balances innovation, inclusivity, and credibility in education across West Africa. The digital classroom is no longer a distant vision; it’s here, and WAEC is leading the charge.