Nigerian Government Sets 2026 Deadline for Full CBT Transition in WAEC, NECO Exams

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to fully transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026. Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made this announcement while monitoring the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) alongside officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday.

According to the minister, both WAEC and NECO must commence CBT for all objective papers starting November 2025, with the essay components joining the digital format by May/June 2026. He emphasized that this shift is part of broader efforts to curb examination malpractice and ensure students rely on proper preparation rather than unethical shortcuts.

“This is how we can eliminate exam malpractices. We want our children to study and not go ahead to have a perfect way of cheating,” Alausa said.

WAEC and NECO are responsible for the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), which serve as a key academic milestone for students leaving secondary school and seeking admission into higher institutions. To qualify, students must pass at least six subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

The minister also revealed that a high-level committee has been set up to evaluate the current examination processes and propose reforms aimed at raising the standard and integrity of national assessments. The committee is expected to submit its recommendations in May.

This directive builds on WAEC’s earlier move in 2023 to introduce computer-based testing for its private candidates during the November/December exam cycle. Over 8,000 candidates participated in the first CB-WASSCE. WAEC had indicated that full CBT implementation for its main May/June exams would depend on infrastructure readiness in schools and government approval. The latest mandate now accelerates that timeline with a clear federal directive.