Breaking: WASSCE Adopts Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in Nigeria
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will officially transition from paper-and-pencil testing to Computer-Based Testing (CBT), the Federal Government has announced.
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, described the reform as a “historic milestone” that will strengthen examination credibility, reduce malpractice, and align Nigeria’s education system with international best practices.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Dr. Alausa said the introduction of CBT reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for education.
“The adoption of computer-based examinations is a deliberate step to safeguard the integrity of our certificates and equip Nigerian students with the skills needed in a knowledge-driven economy,” the Minister stated.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which has operated for more than 73 years, has already pioneered several digital innovations that paved the way for this transition. Among them are:
- The Digital Examiners’ Mark Sheet
- WAEC Konnect for streamlined communication
- The WAEC e-Learning Platform
- The Digital Certificate Platform
Dr. Alausa commended WAEC for these initiatives, noting that they have laid a solid foundation for the computer-based testing era.
The shift to CBT is not an isolated reform. It is part of a wider transformation in Nigeria’s education sector, including:
- Curriculum restructuring at basic and senior secondary levels
- Classroom modernization with digital tools
- Reforms in federal technical colleges, tertiary institutions, and medical education
“We are laying sustainable foundations that will outlive us,” Dr. Alausa affirmed.
Acknowledging concerns from parents, teachers, and students, the Minister assured stakeholders that the Federal Ministry of Education will work closely with schools to guarantee a seamless transition to the CBT model.
He emphasized the government’s commitment:
“Every Nigerian child deserves quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Education experts and stakeholders have praised the announcement, describing the adoption of CBT for WASSCE as a game-changer that will drastically reduce examination malpractice and better prepare students for a technology-driven future.
As Nigeria embraces this new phase, Dr. Alausa reiterated that education remains the nation’s greatest legacy to its children.