Nigerian Secondary Schools May Spend Over N1.6 Trillion to Meet WAEC’s CBT Requirements

Secondary schools across Nigeria could collectively spend an estimated N1.6 trillion to meet the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)’s new requirement for Computer-Based Testing (CBT) ahead of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

WAEC recently announced that schools seeking approval as CBT centres must provide at least 250 functional desktop computers, a robust server, a local area network, CCTV surveillance, and other critical infrastructure to qualify for hosting the exams. According to the council, this directive is part of its transition plan to fully digitise the WASSCE.

“Schools that cannot meet these standards will be assigned to external designated centres, and WAEC will not lower its requirements,” the council stated.

Cost Estimates for Compliance

Market surveys reveal that a fairly used desktop computer imported from the United Kingdom and sold in Lagos’ Computer Village costs between N250,000 and N300,000. Based on a mid-range cost of N68 million per school to purchase 250 computers—excluding accessories and infrastructure—Nigeria’s 23,554 approved WASSCE centres would need to collectively invest around N1.6 trillion to comply.

This figure does not account for additional expenses such as power backup, internet services, maintenance, and security.

Concerns Over Rural Schools

Stakeholders in the education sector warn that the directive may widen the gap between urban and rural schools. Gift Osikoya, a teacher, noted that while some private institutions in major cities might adapt quickly, public and rural schools will struggle.

“Two hundred and fifty computers are not a small investment. Beyond the purchase, schools will face the challenge of constant electricity, reliable internet, and ongoing maintenance,” she said. “For many public schools, this is nearly impossible without government subsidies or private sector support.”

Isaiah Ogundele, an education administrator, criticised the short timeline for implementation. He argued that most public schools lack basic facilities like electricity and internet, making the CBT mandate unrealistic in the near term.

“For a project of this scale, federal and state governments should have first equipped their schools with laptops, stable electricity, and internet services. Many rural students even trek long distances to reach their schools,” Ogundele added.

Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders

While some educators see benefits in WAEC’s plan, they caution against the rapid rollout. Jessica Osuere, CEO of RubiesHub Educational Services, described the move as a positive step for exam integrity but warned that compliance by 2026 will be difficult without phased implementation.

“A gradual rollout supported by partnerships will make the transition achievable. Anything else risks setting schools up for failure,” she said.

Others, like teacher Chris Nmeribe, called the requirements “unrealistic,” citing the high costs and short timeline. Educationist Ike Osuagwu-Chilaka agreed that while 250 functional computers would enhance digital literacy, the economic strain could force schools to shift costs onto parents, potentially increasing dropout rates.

Comparisons to International Standards

Observers have also questioned why Nigeria is racing toward full CBT adoption when countries with stronger digital infrastructure are moving more cautiously. In the United Kingdom, for example, students still write their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams on paper. The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) only plans to introduce partial digital testing for a single subject by 2026, with broader adoption targeted for 2030.

Digital Literacy Gap

Nigeria’s readiness for such a large-scale digital examination remains in doubt. Data from the Universal Basic Education Commission shows that 50 percent of public schools lack digital facilities, and only 36 percent of the population has regular internet access. An estimated 78 percent of young Nigerians lack basic digital literacy skills.

Proposed Alternatives

Many stakeholders are calling on WAEC to consider more flexible approaches. Osikoya suggested that the council could emulate the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) by establishing centralised CBT centres where schools without adequate facilities can book slots for their students.

Nmeribe proposed a cost-sharing model in which WAEC would bear part of the financial burden to ease the pressure on schools.

Outlook

While WAEC maintains that its CBT mandate will enhance examination credibility and technological advancement, educators and administrators insist that a phased implementation—backed by government support—will be critical to avoid shutting out thousands of students from rural and low-income communities.