WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT for Exams by 2026, Says Minister

WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT for Exams by 2026, Says Minister

WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT (Computer-Based Testing) for their examinations by 2026, marking a major turning point in Nigeria’s educational system. The announcement was made by education authorities during a national education summit in Abuja on Monday.

The decision means that candidates sitting for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams will take their tests using computers rather than the traditional pen-and-paper method.

WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT: Full Details Unveiled

At the summit, the Minister of Education confirmed that WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT is part of the government’s wider agenda to modernize education and curb examination malpractice. The initiative will also align Nigeria’s educational practices with international standards.

Stakeholders agreed that the move will improve the credibility, transparency, and efficiency of WAEC NECO Exams 2026. According to officials, pilot testing will begin in select schools later this year to ensure a smooth transition.

Benefits of Computer-Based Testing in Nigeria

WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT is seen as a major win for Nigeria’s education sector. Computer-Based Testing (CBT) will help in many ways:

• It will eliminate delays in result processing.
• It will reduce examination malpractice, as computer algorithms will randomize questions.
• It will create a fairer and faster evaluation process.

The adoption of CBT will also save resources by reducing the cost of printing and distributing large volumes of paper exam materials for WAEC NECO Exams 2026.

Implementation Roadmap for WAEC NECO Exams 2026

Education officials outlined a clear plan to ensure the WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT transition succeeds by 2026:

1. Pilot Phases: Test runs will begin in selected urban and rural schools.
2. Teacher Training: Teachers will undergo specialized training to guide students in Computer-Based Testing in Nigeria.
3. Infrastructure Upgrade: Schools will receive computers, internet connectivity, and backup systems.
4. Awareness Campaigns: Students and parents will receive orientation sessions on the CBT process.

WAEC and NECO will also work closely with private tech firms to ensure the availability of software solutions and technical support ahead of the WAEC NECO Exams 2026.

Challenges Ahead as WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT

While many welcome the news that WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT, experts caution that challenges must be addressed:

• Power Supply: Unreliable electricity in many areas could disrupt CBT sessions.
• Digital Literacy: Some students and teachers, especially in rural areas, lack basic computer skills.
• Funding: The cost of upgrading school infrastructure could be high.

Officials said that overcoming these obstacles is a top priority to ensure Computer-Based Testing in Nigeria benefits everyone, not just students in urban centers.

Reactions from Education Stakeholders

Education stakeholders have reacted positively to the announcement that WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT by 2026. The President of the National Parent-Teacher Association said, “We fully support this move but call for inclusivity so rural students are not left behind.”

Student groups also praised the decision, stating that WAEC NECO Exams 2026 will now reflect the realities of a digital world. However, they requested that the government provide sufficient training and resources ahead of implementation.

Private sector players in the tech industry expressed readiness to partner with the government to provide reliable hardware and software solutions to support Computer-Based Testing in Nigeria.

Pilot Testing Begins in 2025

According to officials, trial runs for CBT will begin by early 2025. Schools will be selected across different states to participate in pilot WAEC NECO Exams 2026 mock exams.

The Ministry of Education confirmed that these trials will help gather feedback, identify challenges, and refine strategies before full rollout.

WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT plans include special accommodations for candidates with disabilities to ensure fairness and inclusiveness.

Global Trends Supporting Computer-Based Testing

WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT reflects a global trend toward digital examinations. Across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, national exams are moving to computer-based formats.

Countries like Kenya and South Africa have already started partial CBT rollouts. Education experts say Nigeria’s decision to align WAEC NECO Exams 2026 with international standards will boost the credibility of Nigerian certificates abroad.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Exams

WAEC NECO to Adopt CBT represents a monumental shift for Nigeria’s education system. By 2026, students will take exams in computer labs rather than crowded halls with paper scripts.

While challenges remain, the move promises to modernize the examination process, promote fairness, and prepare students for a tech-driven world.

Education authorities and stakeholders must now work together to ensure that the rollout of WAEC NECO Exams 2026 is successful, equitable, and sustainable.

The countdown has begun—and if the plan stays on course, Computer-Based Testing in Nigeria will become the new norm by 2026.