The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), as part of efforts to modernize the nation’s assessment system.
Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, disclosed this while speaking with journalists after monitoring the ongoing WAEC Mathematics Examination at Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa, and Federal Government Boys College, Apo, in Abuja.
According to the minister, plans to fully transition from pen-and-paper examinations to CBT by 2026 have encountered challenges due to inadequate infrastructure in some parts of the country.
She noted that several communities still lack access to computers, internet connectivity, and nearby CBT centres, making a complete nationwide transition difficult at this stage.
“With the initial plan, we were supposed to go full CBT in 2026. But when we realized there was a challenge, particularly in communities without nearby CBT facilities, it became clear that it would not be possible,” she said.
Professor Ahmad explained that while the government remains committed to digitizing examinations, it must ensure that no student is disadvantaged by limited access to technology.
She also revealed that the ongoing examination marks the first time a public secondary school is conducting a Computer-Based Test under the WAEC system.
The development represents a significant step in the gradual adoption of technology-driven assessments across Nigeria’s education sector.
Currently, about two million candidates are participating in the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination nationwide.