The Nigerian government’s push to transition both WAEC and NECO exams to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026 has sparked widespread conversation. Some view this as a significant move towards modernizing education, but others raise concerns about its feasibility.
According to Nairametrics, education experts and stakeholders have pointed out the serious challenges of this shift, especially for schools in rural areas. Dr. Felix Echekoba, a senior lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, argued that the decision was rushed, reflecting a failure to address the underlying issues in Nigeria’s education system.
“We are in too much of a hurry. This is exactly how the 6-3-3-4 education system collapsed — no proper groundwork was done before rollout,” he said. His comments highlight the risk of repeating past mistakes without proper planning or infrastructure in place.
Many public schools in Nigeria still face basic issues like unreliable electricity, inadequate internet, and a shortage of computers. These challenges make the transition to a fully digital testing environment seem impractical, especially in areas outside urban centers.
Experts also questioned how the exam could be implemented across all subjects, including practicals and essays. While some suggest limiting CBT to only objective questions, others fear this won’t work for more complex subjects.
Mr. Fidelis Okoro, a school principal in Ebonyi State, raised concerns over the practicality of making CBT work nationwide. He argued that the government should ensure that all students, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, have access to the necessary technology.
Security is another major concern. The rising insecurity in Nigeria makes it unsafe for students to travel long distances to centralized testing centers. Dr. Echekoba warned that early morning travel could expose students to potential dangers, adding to the stress of exam day.
To address this, Mr. Okoro suggested that the government establish more local CBT centers in every local government area. This would help reduce the risks of long travel times and overcrowding, making exams more accessible for students nationwide.
Despite these concerns, the Ministry of Education believes CBT will reduce exam malpractice. However, both Dr. Echekoba and Mr. Sunday Akintunde, a principal in Lagos, expressed doubts, warning that technology alone won’t solve the issue of cheating.
“CBT is not immune to cheating. Students can still access external help during exams,” Mr. Akintunde noted. His words serve as a reminder that while technology can help, it needs to be combined with stronger monitoring and enforcement measures to truly address malpractice.
The discussion around CBT for WAEC and NECO is complex, with valid points on both sides. Experts agree that more work needs to be done to ensure the system is truly ready before the full transition takes place.
Article updated 4 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
