NIGERIA: Nigeria Transitions WASSCE To Computer-Based Testing 

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Federal Government has announced a groundbreaking shift in the nation’s education sector with the official transition of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to Computer-Based Testing (CBT).

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in a statement shared on his official X handle, described the move as “a historic milestone that will strengthen the integrity of our examinations, drastically reduce malpractice, and ensure Nigeria’s assessment system meets global standards.”

For over 73 years, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has been at the forefront of advancing education in the subregion.

With innovations such as the Digital Examiners’ Mark Sheet, WAEC Konnect, the e-Learning platform, and the Digital Certificate Platform, the Council has consistently demonstrated its commitment to technological progress.

The announcement was made under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises reforms in education.

According to the Minister, government interventions include restructuring national basic and senior secondary school curricula, upgrading classrooms with modern tools, and reforming federal technical colleges, tertiary, and medical education.

The Minister noted, assuring stakeholders of the ministry’s commitment to quality learning opportunities for all.

He said: “The adoption of computer-based examinations is a deliberate step to safeguard the credibility of our certificates and empower the Nigerian child with the skills needed for a knowledge-driven economy.”

He further pledged that the Federal Ministry of Education would work with schools to ensure students are well-prepared for the new examination format.

“Together, we will make this a smooth, successful, and transformative step forward,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that education remains the greatest legacy to bequeath to future generations, reaffirming the government’s dedication to securing the future of Nigerian children through sustainable reforms.