Why FG should rethink WAEC, NECO computer-based exams by 2026

The federal government’s decision to migrate the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) examinations to computer-based testing (CBT) format by 2026 has sparked mixed reactions.

Experts believe that while the move aims to enhance examination security, reduce malpractice, and align with international digital standards, concerns about infrastructure, digital literacy, and accessibility arise.

Research suggests that a significant portion of Nigerian secondary schools, particularly public schools, do not have computer facilities readily available for classroom use.

Nigeria has 23,550 secondary schools, which form part of a formal six-year secondary education system, divided into junior and senior secondary levels. The system is designed to provide further education beyond the primary school level, with the aim of nurturing academic excellence.

The use of computers in Nigerian secondary schools is not widespread, and access varies significantly between public and private schools, as well as between rural and urban areas.

Challenges:

Inadequate infrastructure is a major challenge logging learning outcomes in many Nigerian secondary schools, especially, the public schools.

Many public schools lack basic infrastructure, including computers, internet access, and steady electricity; hence, making examinations computer-based is a leeway of failing the students.

Nubi Achebo, director of academic planning at Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) expressed worries that the government may be rushing into this decision without adequate preparation, which may lead to failure.

“The move to CBT has potential benefits, addressing the existing infrastructure and accessibility challenges is crucial for a successful implementation,” he said.

Isaiah Ogundele, an educationist, describes the move as a joke of the year. He wondered why Nigerian leaders have a way of trivialising issues of major concerns.

Read also: 2026 May/June exams: WAEC, NECO to adopt  full CBT— Alausa

“JAMB that started a long time ago are still struggling. How may government schools in Nigeria have adequate facilities for the examination?” he asked.

Gift Osikoya, a teacher, believes that the plan to conduct WAEC and NECO examinations through CBT by 2026 is a bold and forward-thinking move, especially in an age increasingly driven by technology.

However, she said though the intention, particularly to curb examination malpractice, is commendable, the practicality and inclusiveness of the policy must be carefully examined.

“Many schools, particularly in rural areas, lack basic facilities like reliable electricity and internet access, not to mention a sufficient number of computers. Rolling out CBT without bridging this infrastructural gap could widen educational inequality, depriving students in underserved areas,” she said.

There is no doubt a digital divide between the students in the rural and urban areas. In Nigeria, virtually all schools in rural areas and underserved communities are struggling with limited access to technology and digital literacy.

Another challenge facing education in the country is insecurity, as Nigeria’s security situation has taken a turn for the worse, a growing number of students are becoming victims.

Conducting computer-based examinations at centralised centres poses safety concerns, especially with early morning travel requirements. It is unfortunate that Nigerians are beginning to accept insecurity as a way of life, while the government seem confused on the way out of the menace.

Curbing examination malpractice:

Osikoya emphasised that though CBT can indeed reduce some forms of malpractice by eliminating physical answer sheets and reducing human interference; it also introduces new risks such as hacking, impersonation, or technical manipulation if cybersecurity is not prioritised.

Similarly, Achebo insists CBT would not eliminate examination malpractice, as students can still find ways to cheat using technology.

Ogundele enjoins the government to borrow a leaf from the British Council.

“If they are doing it because of examination malpractice. They should borrow an idea from the British Council on how they have been conducting all their foreign examinations in a county like Nigeria successfully without examination malpractice that is very rampant,” he said.

Potential Solutions:

Stakeholders urge the government to adopt a phased implementation of the policy by rolling out CBT in phases, starting with objective questions, to ease the transition.

Osikoya said it will be ideal to start with pilot programmes in urban and semi-urban schools before scaling nationwide.

Besides, they say it important that government invest in infrastructure, and digital training for students and teachers.

“Upgrade schools’ technology and internet connectivity to support CBT, and provide training for students and teachers to build their digital skills,” Osikoya said.

In the same vein, Achebo said there is need for the government to prioritise equipping public schools with necessary ICT tools and stable power supply, and organise large-scale digital literacy campaigns for both students and teachers.

Besides, the government is urged to consider a hybrid model of examination, where a mix of CBT and paper-based tests are involved during the transition period to avoid excluding students without access.