In a bold education reform, the Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) will fully adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026.
According to Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, there’s no turning back on this decision.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, May 6, Alausa explained the move aims to curb examination malpractice, restore integrity, and promote fairness in Nigeria’s high-stakes secondary school assessments.
“JAMB uses CBT. It’s secure, it’s efficient, and it has practically eliminated fraud,” Alausa said.
The announcement follows the release of troubling statistics from the 2025 UTME. Out of 1.95 million candidates, over 1.5 million scored below 200 out of 400. While many were quick to blame declining student performance, Alausa offered a broader view.
“That result is actually what happens when exams are conducted properly,” he noted. “No shortcuts. No miracle centres. Just students and what they truly know.”
He explained that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set the standard with its CBT format. Unlike traditional paper-based exams, CBT makes it much harder to cheat. With real-time monitoring and digital test banks, the system discourages exam fraud and rewards genuine effort.
To close the gap between WAEC/NECO and JAMB, Alausa said both examination bodies must begin their shift to CBT by November 2025, starting with objective questions. By May/June 2026, all papers, including essay sections will go digital.
The ministry has already held consultations with key stakeholders including WAEC, NECO, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS).
“WAEC actually tested CBT in 2023 with over 8,000 private candidates. So this isn’t new territory,” Alausa pointed out. “We’re scaling what’s already possible.”
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The Education Minister revealed that upon assuming office, he launched a nationwide review of how exams are conducted. He set up a committee to dig into the systems, practices, and loopholes that have allowed cheating to thrive in high school exams.
“We’re expecting the committee’s full report soon,” he said.
Alausa also stressed how exam malpractice damages student morale. Hardworking students, he argued, often feel discouraged when they see classmates getting ahead through dishonest means.
“If I know my friend already has the questions, why should I study hard? That’s the kind of toxic mindset we’re trying to fix,” he said.
He also addressed concerns that CBT may disadvantage students in underserved areas. While access remains a challenge, the minister said the government is exploring ways to make CBT infrastructure more accessible, especially in rural communities. The long-term goal is not just fair exams, but a stronger education system built on merit, discipline, and technology.
According to Alausa, the issue goes beyond just cheating, it’s about building a culture where students trust the system and feel motivated to succeed through hard work.
With the clock ticking toward November 2025, schools, teachers, and candidates must prepare for a major shift. While the transition won’t be without hurdles, the government’s stance remains unchanged: Nigeria’s national exams must evolve and CBT is the way forward.
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