Nigeria’s Minister of Education has firmly stated that there will be no turning back on the implementation of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). The decision marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to standardized testing, aligning with global trends in digital education and assessment.
Speaking at a recent education stakeholders’ meeting, the Minister emphasized that the transition to CBT is not only inevitable but essential to improving the integrity, efficiency, and reliability of the examination process. “There is no going back,” he said. “We are fully committed to modernizing our education system, and CBT is a critical part of that transformation.”
The move follows similar efforts already made in other national exams, such as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB, which has been fully CBT-based for several years. The success of JAMB’s transition has paved the way for WAEC and NECO to follow suit.
While the shift to CBT has been met with optimism by many, concerns remain about infrastructural readiness, especially in rural areas where access to computers and stable electricity remains limited. The Minister acknowledged these challenges and assured that government efforts are underway to bridge the digital divide. He noted that investments are being made in ICT infrastructure, training for teachers, and the provision of digital devices to schools across the country.
Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed the move, seeing it as a step toward reducing exam malpractice, expediting result processing, and equipping students with the digital skills needed in today’s world.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward a fully digitized education system, the implementation of CBT for WAEC and NECO is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of learning and assessment across the nation.
