Adopt Full CBT By 2026, FG Directs WAEC, NECO

The federal government has directed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to adopt full Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for all their examinations by 2026.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, gave the directive yesterday during an extensive tour of several CBT centres in Bwari and real-time monitoring of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB’s) digital control room.

Alausa said that by May/June 2026, both objective and essay components of WAEC and NECO exams will be fully computer-based.

According to him, the move marks a major policy shift in the conduct of public examinations in the country and is borne out of the government’s determination to rid the examinations of malpractice.

“We are determined to eliminate examination malpractices by ensuring all exams, including practical and essay papers, migrate to CBT. If JAMB can successfully administer CBT exams for over 2.2 million candidates, then WAEC and NECO can also do it,” the minister said.

He disclosed that a committee led by JAMB registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, is currently auditing Nigeria’s examination processes and their findings, which are expected by the end of next month, will guide future reforms across all levels of education.

Alausa expressed deep satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, describing it as a “world-class exercise” that meets international standards.

He praised JAMB for running an exam system built on integrity, transparency, and efficiency.

“I must tell you I am extremely impressed. JAMB’s operations meet international benchmarks for examination conduct. This proves we can run credible exams here in Nigeria, reinforcing our commitment to human capital development,” he said.

Earlier, JAMB registrar Oloyede described the 2025 UTME as one of the best conducted by the board.

While addressing complaints about early arrival times and centre postings, he clarified that candidates were simply asked to come early to allow time for security and biometric screening.

“We start our exams at 8:00 a.m., just like the regular workday or school day. Candidates arriving early ensures proper verification for all 250 candidates per session,” Oloyede explained.

He also dismissed allegations that candidates were posted to centres they did not select, stating, “We challenge anyone with such a claim to produce evidence.”

On security, the JAMB registrar disclosed that over 40 candidates have been arrested for impersonation and other exam malpractice offences during the ongoing UTME.

“We are not in a hurry to release results until thorough verification is done,” he stated, noting that about 1.6 million candidates had completed the exam as of Sunday, with the process expected to conclude smoothly this week.