Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have reacted with mixed feelings to the Federal Government’s plan to transition the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), and National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) from paper-based exams to Computer-Based Tests (CBT) by 2026. While some commend the initiative as a step toward modernisation, others argue that the country is not ready due to infrastructural and systemic challenges.
Background
The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, announced that all public exams would fully migrate to CBT format by 2026. According to him, this move will curb widespread examination malpractice and align the nation’s educational standards with global practices.
Alausa’s optimism is driven by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)’s success in using CBT for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Criticisms and Concerns
1. Infrastructural Deficiencies
Dr. Solomon Udah, Executive Director of Education Rights Initiative (ERI), criticized the 2026 target as “hasty and unrealistic.”
“Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack electricity, internet connectivity, and computer labs,” he said.
He argued that:
JAMB exams are placement tests with only objective questions.
WAEC and NECO are achievement-based and include essay components, which are more complex and time-consuming.
Udah recommends:
A phased approach extending up to 2028.
Training for teachers and students in digital literacy.
Building CBT centres across 774 local governments.
Introduction of objective questions first, then essays.
2. Student Advocacy Concerns
Comrade Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia, NANS Vice President (Inter-campus and Gender Affairs), warned that:
CBT-only format would promote laziness through exclusive objective testing.
Many rural students lack exposure to digital tools.
The policy could widen educational inequality and produce incompetent graduates.
She called for outright suspension of the 2026 transition plan.
3. Equity and Accessibility
Stakeholders raised the following points:
Security risks with centralized CBT centres.
Travel costs for students in remote areas.
Technical failures during UTME show CBT isn’t foolproof.
CBT may widen the digital divide between urban and rural students.
Suggestions from Stakeholders
Mr. Adeolu Ogunbanjo, Chairman, National PTA
Called for at least one CBT centre per local government area.
Highlighted the need for reliable backup power.
Urged postponing full CBT implementation to 2027.
“We cannot have a situation in which pupils write tests using torches or lanterns,” he said.
FG’s Position: No Going Back
During a pilot NECO CBT exam in Abuja, Minister Alausa reiterated that:
CBT will fully replace paper-based exams by 2026.
Objective questions for NECO and WAEC will go CBT by November 2025.
All exam components (including essays) will be CBT by 2026.
He emphasized:
“We must stop the madness of exam malpractice. If we allow it to continue, it will destroy the future of our youth.”
Alausa also stated that both public and private CBT centres will be used, not relying solely on schools’ infrastructure.
NECO’s Readiness
Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, NECO Registrar, affirmed NECO’s readiness despite challenges:
“We are very ready as a professional body to adopt CBT. We urge state governments to invest in CBT infrastructure to support us.”
NAUS Reacts
Josiah Peter Oche, President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), supported the plan but called for:
Phased implementation.
Investment in ICT infrastructure and digital literacy.
Clear strategy for essay-based CBT exams.
Stakeholder engagement and pilot testing.
Conclusion
While the Federal Government remains resolute in transitioning WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB exams to CBT by 2026, concerns over digital readiness, infrastructure gaps, and inclusivity dominate stakeholder conversations. Many recommend a gradual rollout, infrastructure upgrades, and teacher-student training to ensure a smooth and fair transition.
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