The Federal Government and the National Assembly have endorsed the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) plan to fully adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) from 2026.

WAEC had earlier announced the transition from paper-based to computer-based examinations, sparking debate in some quarters.

Speaking at a sensitisation meeting with lawmakers and stakeholders in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, said the shift would enhance integrity and efficiency in Nigeria’s assessment system.

“We have undertaken to migrate public examinations to computer-based technology as a deliberate step to secure the integrity of our education system. While some initially opposed the transition, business as usual can no longer suffice,” Alausa said.

He explained that CBT would curb malpractice, protect credibility, and boost Nigeria’s reputation internationally. He added that President Bola Tinubu strongly supports education as the “greatest legacy” for national transformation, with inclusivity for children with special needs also being prioritised.

WAEC’s Head of National Office, Amos Dangut, said the process, which began with private candidates in 2024, had recorded “significant progress” and would now be expanded nationwide. He assured stakeholders that mock sessions and practice platforms would be introduced to ensure no candidate was left behind, adding that CBT performance had been “empirically better” than paper-based results.