The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that, commencing in 2026, the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) will be entirely administered through Computer-Based Testing (CBT) at accredited public and private centres across the country.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, made this announcement following a successful pilot of CBT for the SSCE, conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO) at Sascon International School, Abuja, on July 22. This event signifies a crucial milestone in the ongoing reform of Nigeria's educational system.
Dr. Alausa commended NECO for the effective execution of the pilot CBT, emphasizing that this transition is a significant advancement towards curbing examination malpractice and enhancing the credibility of the nation's assessment processes.
“Currently, WAEC and NECO examinations are school-based; however, we will transition to a model akin to that of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations at accredited CBT centres,” he stated. “We possess thousands of such centres nationwide, which will be utilized effectively.”
The Minister underscored the importance of addressing the enduring challenges associated with examination malpractice, including question leaks and cheating. “If we permit these issues to persist, they will undermine the potential of our youth. This transition is imperative,” he cautioned.
Furthermore, Dr. Alausa praised the leadership of NECO for demonstrating the readiness and technical capacity required to fully implement CBT.
Senator Ekong Samson, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, who also observed the pilot, reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to modernize Nigeria's education system.
“We exist in an era defined by technological advancement. Nigeria must align itself with global standards. We are prepared to implement any necessary measures as legislators to enhance the quality of education,” he asserted.
The Senate, he added, will remain vigilant in monitoring the transition and will support initiatives that promote a smooth and effective implementation of the CBT-based SSCE beginning in 2026.
Challenges of CBT implementation in Nigeria
Implementing Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for WAEC and NECO exams in Nigeria by 2026 faces several challenges:
1. Inadequate Infrastructure: Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack sufficient computers, stable electricity, and internet connectivity, critical for CBT. The government has noted that full readiness by November 2025 is unlikely due to these gaps.
2. Digital Literacy Gaps: Students and teachers in underserved areas may lack the technical skills needed to navigate CBT platforms, requiring extensive training programs.
3. Logistical Constraints: Managing CBT for millions of candidates across Nigeria demands robust systems for test delivery, security, and result processing. JAMB’s success with 2.2 million candidates highlights the scale, but WAEC and NECO’s broader scope amplifies the challenge.
4. Examination Malpractice: While CBT aims to reduce cheating, new forms of malpractice, like hacking or system manipulation, could emerge, necessitating advanced security measures.
5. Funding and Resource Allocation: Upgrading facilities, procuring equipment, and maintaining CBT centers require significant investment, which may strain budgets.
6. Equity Concerns: Disparities between urban and rural access to technology could widen educational inequalities, disadvantaging students in remote areas.
7. Technical Issues: System failures, software glitches, or power outages during exams could disrupt testing, as seen in past JAMB CBT experiences.
Addressing these requires strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and phased implementation to ensure a smooth transition.
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