NECO and WAEC Delay the Start of CBT Examinations in Nigeria

The decision by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to transition from paper-based tests to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) marks a major turning point for Nigeria’s education system. If properly implemented, this shift could help address several long-standing issues affecting the credibility and integrity of public examinations across the country.

However, experts have warned that the immediate commencement of CBT for WAEC and NECO examinations could create serious challenges if not introduced gradually and strategically.

Exam Malpractice: The Root of the Problem

For decades, examination malpractice has been one of the most damaging issues confronting Nigeria’s education system. Rampant cheating, question leaks, impersonation, and other unethical practices have consistently eroded the value of national certificates.

These illegal acts not only give unqualified students unfair advantages but also result in poor-quality graduates filling up tertiary institutions — many of whom lack the essential skills needed in today’s workforce. The consequences are visible in the rising number of unemployable graduates and the declining confidence in Nigeria’s academic standards.

How CBT Can Help Curb Exam Malpractice

The introduction of CBT by WAEC and NECO presents a promising solution. Computer-based examinations make it harder for candidates to cheat, as each student receives randomized questions, and results can be processed instantly and transparently.

In addition, the digital system minimizes human interference during grading, reduces the likelihood of result manipulation, and helps both exam bodies save time and administrative costs.

If effectively executed, CBT could mark the beginning of a more credible and transparent testing process in Nigeria’s education sector.

Why the Implementation Should Be Gradual

Despite its benefits, education experts caution that it is too early to begin full implementation of CBT for national exams in 2025 or 2026. Many Nigerian students — especially those in public schools — are not yet adequately exposed to computer-based learning environments.

Introducing CBT without sufficient training could disadvantage thousands of candidates who are unfamiliar with computer operations, particularly students in rural areas with limited access to digital tools or electricity.

To ensure success, the government and exam bodies should start introducing the CBT model from Senior Secondary School One (SS1). This approach would give students ample time to adapt to digital testing environments before reaching their final year of secondary education.

Government’s Role in Ensuring Smooth Transition

The Federal and State Ministries of Education must collaborate with school administrators to provide adequate computer facilities, training programs, and power supply infrastructure across all public schools.

Teachers also need to undergo capacity-building programs to enable them to prepare students effectively for CBT environments.

A hasty rollout could cause mass failure rates and technical disruptions, undermining the very goal of promoting fairness and transparency in examinations.

Building the Foundation for Digital Learning

The shift to computer-based examinations aligns with the global trend toward digital learning and assessment. However, to make it sustainable, Nigeria must first invest in digital literacy programs, internet infrastructure, and computer labs in schools nationwide.

Gradual exposure through internal school tests, mock CBT exams, and national pilot programs would help familiarize students with the system long before the actual transition.

There is no doubt that adopting CBT for WAEC and NECO is a bold and progressive step that could redefine the future of Nigeria’s education system. But for it to succeed, the process must be strategic, inclusive, and well-structured.

Introducing the system gradually from SS1, training teachers, and equipping schools with digital tools will ensure that no student is left behind. As Nigeria embraces this innovation, the focus should remain on equity, accessibility, and educational integrity.