The Federal Government’s plan to shift WAEC and NECO exams to a computer-based testing (CBT) format by 2026 has received mixed responses from education experts, parents, and stakeholders.
According to BusinessDay, the decision aims to reduce exam malpractice and promote digital testing, but many believe the country is not yet ready for such a major transition.
One of the biggest concerns is infrastructure. Most public schools, particularly in rural areas, still lack basic digital tools—computers, internet access, and reliable electricity. Without these, nationwide CBT could unfairly penalize students in less-equipped schools.
Nigeria has over 23,000 secondary schools, but access to ICT resources remains uneven. While some urban and private schools may be prepared for digital exams, many public institutions are not.
Nubi Achebo, Director of Academic Planning at the Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM), warns against a rushed approach:
“The move to CBT has potential benefits, addressing the existing infrastructure and accessibility challenges is crucial for a successful implementation.”
There are also concerns about safety. With rising insecurity in parts of the country, the logistics of transporting students to centralized CBT centers—often early in the day—raise serious risks.
Proponents of CBT argue that digital exams can reduce cheating by eliminating paper scripts. However, experts say it could open the door to new threats like system hacking, impersonation, or software manipulation if cybersecurity is not prioritized.
Education stakeholders recommend that the government:
- Begin with objective questions in CBT format
- Pilot the system in selected urban and semi-urban schools
- Invest in equipping public schools with computers and stable electricity
- Train teachers and students in digital skills
- Consider a hybrid model combining paper-based and computer-based tests
Gift Osikoya, a teacher, supports the long-term vision but questions the short-term feasibility:
“Rolling out CBT without bridging this infrastructural gap could widen educational inequality, depriving students in underserved areas.”
To make CBT viable for WAEC and NECO, experts insist the government must commit to long-term investment in school infrastructure and digital training, while ensuring the transition is gradual and inclusive.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
