Lawmakers Warn WAEC Against Rushed Rollout of Computer-Based Exams

The planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2026 has drawn caution from members of the National Assembly, who warned that hasty implementation could jeopardise the future of millions of Nigerian students.

WAEC insists the transition will be inclusive. At a sensitisation session with lawmakers in Abuja on Tuesday, Head of the WAEC National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, explained that the shift would be phased starting with objective questions before expanding to theory and practicals to give schools and candidates room to adjust.

While commending the initiative, several senators and representatives voiced concerns about poor infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and unequal access to technology, especially in rural areas. Senator Ekong Sampson, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary), warned that a hasty nationwide rollout could “create more problems than it solves.” Similarly, Senator Victor Umeh stressed the need for fairness, cautioning that glitches or lack of access could trigger “a national outcry” He advised WAEC to adopt a hybrid model, allowing candidates to choose between computer-based and traditional paper exams during the transition.

House of Representatives member Oboku Oforji (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency) called for “proper groundwork” before 2026, urging the government to establish at least one functional CBT centre in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. He disclosed that Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa would appear before the House Committee on Basic Education to present WAEC’s implementation strategy.

Other lawmakers recommended piloting CBT in urban centres with adequate electricity, internet and computer facilities before expanding nationwide.

In response, Dr. Dangut reiterated WAEC’s commitment to equity and fairness, noting that centres were being mapped across local government areas to reduce travel costs and burdens on parents. He added that CBT would curb exam malpractice, speed up results processing and boost credibility.

Minister Alausa also assured that “no child will be left behind in this digital transition” Stakeholders such as Muhammad Musa, National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Public Schools and Dr. Samira Jibir, National President of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, backed the reform but insisted on adequate preparation and infrastructure.

The consensus among lawmakers and education leaders was clear: while digital reform in education is inevitable, WAEC must ensure inclusivity and avoid a rushed rollout that could marginalise students and spark nationwide discontent.