Lawmakers in the National Assembly have urged the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to proceed with caution in its planned 2026 rollout of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), warning that any failure could affect the future of millions of Nigerian students.
WAEC had earlier assured that the CBT system would be accessible nationwide, regardless of technological infrastructure.
During a sensitisation meeting in Abuja with the National Assembly Committees on Education, WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, explained that the CBT rollout would begin with objective questions before expanding to theory and practicals.
However, lawmakers expressed concern over Nigeria’s digital divide, particularly in rural areas.
Senator Ekong Sampson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), warned that rushing the implementation might “create more problems than it solves.”
Senator Victor Umeh stressed the need for fairness “There will be a national outcry if glitches occur. We must be fully prepared to avoid disadvantaging students, especially those lacking digital skills. A hybrid model—combining CBT with traditional exams—should be considered initially.”
Umeh also noted that WAEC has a larger candidate pool than JAMB and recommended gradual adoption to avoid alienating underprepared students.
Rep. Oboku Oforji (Bayelsa State) added that the government must establish at least one fully equipped CBT centre in each of the 774 local government areas to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
He also revealed that Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is scheduled to appear before the House Committee on Basic Education to explain the rollout plan and infrastructure strategy.
Other lawmakers echoed similar sentiments, urging that CBT be piloted in urban centres with stable power, internet, and computer access before expanding nationwide.
In response, Dr. Dangut assured the Assembly that WAEC is committed to equity and is mapping CBT centres in all local government areas to reduce travel costs and burdens for students and families.
He highlighted CBT’s potential benefits: faster result processing, reduced exam malpractice, and improved credibility.
Minister Alausa also reaffirmed the government’s commitment “No child will be left behind in this digital transition.”
Education stakeholders, including Muhammad Musa, President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Public Schools, and Dr. Samira Jibir, President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, backed the initiative but stressed the need for strong infrastructural support.
Advertisement
