The Federal Lawmakers have cautioned the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to proceed carefully with its planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The legislators warned that any glitch in the proposed 2026 rollout could hindered the future of millions of Nigerian students, especially those in rural areas with poor access to electricity, internet connectivity, and digital facilities.
While sensitising people in Abuja, the Head of WAEC, National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, assured the lawmakers that the council was adopting a phased approach, beginning with multiple-choice questions before expanding to theory and practicals, to allow gradual adaptation.
Responding, Senators Ekong Sampson and Victor Umeh, insisted that fairness and inclusivity must not be compromised. Their arguement was that students lacking digital literacy should not be at disadvantage, opined that the CBT system should initially run alongside traditional paper-based exams.
House of Representatives member, Oboku Oforji, further urged the Federal Government to establish at least one fully functional CBT centre in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas to bridge the digital divide before nationwide implementation.
In his response, Dr. Dangut reassured stakeholders of WAEC’s commitment to equity and transparency, adding that the CBT model would strengthen exam credibility and reduce malpractice. Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, also promised that “no child will be left behind in this digital transition.”
Education stakeholders, including principals and proprietors of private schools, welcomed the innovation but called for adequate infrastructure, training, and preparation to ensure success.
Lawmakers, however, maintained that while the digital shift is inevitable, a rushed rollout could trigger chaos, marginalise rural students, and fuel nationwide discontent.
