Federal Govt Targets 100% Computer-Based Exams By 2027

The Federal Government has set a target to transition Nigeria’s examination system to 100% computer-based testing (CBT) by 2027.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, announced this during the inauguration of the Committee on the Improvement of Equality Examinations in Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday.

The committee aim is to address key challenges in the educational sector, standardise examination practices, and ensure fairness and quality.

Speaking to the press after the committee’s inauguration, Alausa emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling widespread exam malpractices and enhancing the overall quality of the nation’s educational assessments.

He outlined several goals, including eliminating exam leakages, addressing identity theft in exams, and improving exam supervision.

He also discussed the importance of transitioning to computer-based exams by 2027 and combating local swapping of candidates during exams, noting the government’s substantial funding for education under President Ahmed Tinubu, with a strong focus on human capital development.

The Minister also announced that exam certificates will now feature three key identifiers: national ID numbers, candidates’ photos, and birthdates, to ensure the authenticity of results.

He described examination malpractice as a growing threat, warning that allowing it to persist would undermine the efforts of diligent students striving to improve themselves.

“I’ve mandated all the registrars of our examination bodies, such as WAEC, NECO, and NAPTEB, that by their next exams scheduled for May, June, and July, there will be three identifiers on the certificates they issue.”

“These identifiers will be, number one, the national identification number of the candidates. Number two, the picture of the candidate must be embossed on the certificates. And number three, their date of birth. By having these three identifiers, we will ensure almost 100% certainty in identifying candidates,” he added.